Organized by the Istanbul Foundation for Culture and Arts (İKSV) with the support of 2007-2036 Biennial Sponsor Koç Holding, the 18th Istanbul Biennial’s title and conceptual framework were announced at a press conference held at the historic Beyoğlu Sports Club on Tuesday, 25 February.
Istanbul Biennial Director Kevser Güler and curator Christine Tohmé explained the curatorial approach and announced the title of the Biennial as ‘The Three-Legged Cat’. The Biennial will be open to the public free of charge and center on themes of self-preservation and futurity. A media preview will be held from 16 to 19 September, with professional preview days on 18 and 19 September.
Importance of Venues for the 18th Istanbul Biennial
The history of Beyoğlu Sports Club, where the press conference was held, dates back to 1877. Founded by Istanbul Greeks under the name Ermis, the club was renamed Athlitikos Sillogos Pera in 1886 and Peraclub in 1914. Since the establishment of the Republic, it has been known as Beyoğlu Sports Club. It also features a museum showcasing the club’s deep-rooted significance in Istanbul’s sporting history. The club will host various performances as part of the 18th Istanbul Biennial.
The Three-Legged Cat
The biennial will spread into three different parts and each part represents a leg of the three-legged cat.
Christine Tohmé explains the three-year structure of the Biennial in her curatorial text: ‘Resting on three legs from 2025 through 2027, the 18th Istanbul Biennial is thoroughly feline. It secures its footing by stretching in time, following a rhythm nourished by conversations, gymnastics, and incessant news streams.
Its first leg, running from 20 September to 23 November 2025, presents an exhibition with over 40 artists, alongside performances, screenings, and talks centered on themes of self-preservation and futurity.
The second leg, in 2026, is dedicated to creating an academy and collaborating with local initiatives on a series of public programs.
In 2027, the biennial leans on its third leg to rest, bringing together what has been encountered along the way through a final round of exhibitions and workshops.’
An open call was launched to artists for the first leg of the 18th Istanbul Biennial. Running from 31 October to 15 December 2024, the call received nearly 1,500 submissions from 105 countries.
Once the curator’s evaluations are complete, all applicants will be notified of the result by the end of March 2025.
