Middle-east Arab News Opinion | Asharq Al-awsat

ArtInternational set to launch in Istanbul | ASHARQ AL-AWSAT English Archive 2005 -2017
Select Page
Media ID: 55316822
Caption:
ArtInternational Istanbul.

ArtInternational Istanbul.

London, Asharq Al-Awsat—ArtInternational Istanbul will open its doors to visitors and art lovers from September 16 to 18, bringing together world-leading artists from the East and the West.

The organisers of ArtInternational believe the first edition of this festival will make a significant contribution to the artistic scene in a city that teems with artistic activities and trends. It also hopes to offer art collectors in the region unrivaled access to contemporary artwork from the Middle East.

Sixty-two galleries from Turkey, the Middle East, Europe and the United States will feature in this year’s event.

Fair director Dyala Nusseibeh said: “Our aim is to create a dynamic art-world convergence in Istanbul, showcasing exciting new works and focusing on quality over quantity. We hope to develop a strong cultural program to run alongside the fair and in particular to connect with artistic developments in Turkey and the Middle East, while bringing in a considered selection of other international galleries.”

When asked about the significance of the Haskoy Yarn Factory, where the fair will be held, Nusseibeh said: “The factory was originally founded in 1952 to manufacture wool. It has a wealth of character and we look forward to creating a memorable cultural event for our first edition there.”

“We are delighted to have brought together a number of dynamic galleries for our first festival, reflecting both regional links, with the inclusion of galleries from Eastern Europe and the Middle East, as well as broader international interests, with a range of established and emerging galleries—most of which will be exhibiting for the first time ever in Turkey. Our cultural program, which runs in tandem with the fair, will also contribute to ensuring a fresh, inspiring experience for visitors this September”

Sandy Angus, ArtInternational’s co-founder, said that choosing Istanbul to host this year’s edition was not a mere coincidence: “We have been considering Istanbul as a potential location for a new fair over the last few years. The city offers a persuasive location with immense draw for both new and more established collectors. The Turkish art scene is also incredibly vibrant and we are delighted to be partnering with Interteks in Turkey, with whom Angus Montgomery have a long-standing relationship dating back several decades.”

“Our hope is that this fair will rank alongside the world’s major international fairs. Obviously this takes time to achieve, but because of Istanbul’s geographic position in relation to Russia and Central Asia, the Middle East and Europe, its strong network of collectors, and the thriving local art scene, I believe this is an achievable goal. We have received a hugely encouraging level of support both in Turkey and abroad and we are looking forward to a very successful first edition,” she continued.

The fair will host a variety of outdoor exhibitions, including “By the Waterside,” which will showcase sculptures by Saddek Wasil, Richard Hudson and Saad Qureishi, among others.

ArtInternational will also host a non-profit activities program featuring lectures, seminars and shows, in which several Turkish institutions and figures will participate.

ArtInternational Istanbul runs from September 16–18 at the Haliç Conference Center in Istanbul, Turkey. More information can be found on their website.