19th Istanbul Biennial Opens Artist Call Focused on War, Memory and Resistance
The 19th Istanbul Biennial is currently accepting applications until 22 November 2026 at 23:59 Istanbul time (UTC+3). Artists are encouraged to explore the theme of war through their artwork. The curators note that while art cannot prevent conflicts, it can promote dissent and offer new viewpoints. Submissions should focus on memory, ethics, and resistance, limited to 3,500 characters and a maximum of 10 MB. Portfolios must not exceed 100 MB. Applications can be submitted in English or Turkish via iksv.slideroom.com. Those shortlisted will engage in further discussions. The complete curatorial text is available at bienal.iksv.org, and questions can be directed to ist.biennial@iksv.org.
Key facts
- The 19th Istanbul Biennial has issued an open call for artist participation
- The submission deadline is 22 November 2026 at 23:59 Istanbul time (UTC+3)
- Project proposals must not exceed 3,500 characters excluding spaces and 10 MB in file size
- Portfolios must not exceed 100 MB and should show prior work and experience
- Applications are submitted via the online form at iksv.slideroom.com
- Artists of all disciplines from Türkiye and abroad are eligible
- Applications and files must be in English or Turkish
- Selected artists will be invited to further conversations, in person or online
- The curators' invitation text states that art cannot end wars but can open space for dissent, doubt and imagined alternatives
- The full curatorial text is published at bienal.iksv.org and inquiries go to ist.biennial@iksv.org
Entities
Institutions
- Istanbul Biennial
- Istanbul Foundation for Culture and Arts (İKSV)
- SlideRoom
- İKSV
- Slideroom
Locations
- Istanbul
- Türkiye