Çelenk Bafra, the artistic director of Istanbul Modern, will curate the 7th edition of the Mardin Biennial. Scheduled to take place in May 2026, the biennial’s initial insights were shared with ArtDog Istanbul by Mardin Biennial co-director Hakan Irmak and curator Çelenk Bafra.
Hosted by the Mardin Cinema Association, the Mardin Biennial has established itself as a significant event in the international contemporary art scene. As it marks its 15th anniversary, the biennial is preparing to meet audiences once again in May 2026 with its 7th edition. The curatorial duties will be undertaken by Çelenk Bafra, the artistic director of Istanbul Modern, who has collaborated with museums and art institutions across Turkey and Europe for many years.
Following the announcement that Çelenk Bafra will curate the 7th edition of the biennial, Mardin Biennial co-director Hakan Irmak shared his thoughts with ArtDog Istanbul:
“The Mardin Biennial continues to draw inspiration from diverse geographies, generations, and disciplines in its curatorial selections, adopting a unique approach with each edition. Over the past 15 years, nearly 300 artists have exhibited 665 works. We are delighted that Çelenk Bafra will be curating the 7th Mardin Biennial. She has closely followed the biennial over the years and is well-versed not only in Mardin’s art scene but in the broader artistic movements of the region. She has participated in previous editions, sharing her observations across various platforms.”
The Mardin Biennial, hosted by the Mardin Cinema Association and recognized as a key event in the international contemporary art scene, is set to celebrate its 15th anniversary with its 7th edition in May 2026. The curatorial role will be undertaken by Çelenk Bafra, the artistic director of Istanbul Modern, who has long collaborated with museums and art institutions in Turkey and across Europe.
Expressing her excitement, Çelenk Bafra stated:
“Mardin holds a special place for me—not only for its culture and art but for the people and nature I’ve listened to over the years. This spring, I look forward to reconnecting with friends in Mardin and engaging with local artists to shape the biennial.”
The Biennial Advisory Board includes esteemed figures from the art and academic world: Esra Aliçavuşoğlu, Fırat Arapoğlu, Mehmet Said Aydın, Evin Sevgi Baran, and Paolo Colombo. While the theme and content of the biennial will be announced in the coming months, Bafra’s curatorial practice—rooted in research-driven group exhibitions—signals a fresh vision for the event.
With extensive experience in the art world, Bafra has played a key role in connecting Turkish artists with international platforms. During her tenure as director of the Istanbul Biennial, she facilitated the participation of Turkish artists in major events such as the Venice, Athens, Havana, Lyon, and São Paulo Biennials. Through her work at İKSV and SAHA, she developed support programs for artists and curators, established SAHA Studio, and founded and managed the Turkey Atelier at Paris Cité des Arts. She was also invited by the French Ministry of Culture to serve on the board of MuCEM, the Museum of European and Mediterranean Civilizations in Marseille.
Bafra’s connection with Mardin dates back to 2005 when she conducted a research visit with curators and artists from the Istanbul Biennial. This bond was further strengthened through her collaborations with the Mardin Cinema Association, including the Güneş Sineması project and her engagement with the Mardin Biennial. She has also written critical essays and conducted interviews on the biennial, contributing to Açık Radyo, various books, and art journals.
Throughout its 15-year history, the Mardin Biennial has carved a unique space in the Turkish and global art landscape by intertwining art, space, and audience in a distinctive context. Under Bafra’s curatorship, the 7th edition is expected to reshape the biennial’s dynamics and offer fresh perspectives on artistic production.
While details will be unveiled in the coming months, Bafra’s past projects and curatorial approach suggest that audiences can anticipate a research-based, immersive exhibition program that merges Mardin’s rich cultural fabric with contemporary artistic discourse. Set to take place in May 2026, the 7th Mardin Biennial promises to be an unmissable gathering for those eager to explore new dimensions of contemporary art.
