Contemporary Istanbul Director Kamiar Maleki on Fair's Identity and Growth
In a recent chat, Kamiar Maleki, who has led Contemporary Istanbul since 2017, shared insights about the fair's goals and updates. The latest edition featured 83 galleries from 22 countries, introducing first-time international participants like Almine Rech and Ethan Cohen among others. The Gallery Support Programme expanded to 17 galleries from various nations, including Portugal and the U.S. Maleki noted that while most collectors are Turkish, there was a significant increase in international VIPs in 2018. That year also saw the creation of the Contemporary Istanbul Art, Culture and Education Foundation for educational initiatives. Maleki pointed out a slow recovery in Istanbul's art scene, with the return of events like the Prix Pictet as positive signs. The fair plans to collaborate with the Istanbul Biennial team in 2019 to strengthen Istanbul's position in the global art scene each September.
Key facts
- Contemporary Istanbul 13th edition featured 83 galleries from 22 countries.
- First-time international participants include Almine Rech, Ethan Cohen, Herve Loevenbrock, Jocelyn Wolff, Galerie Jérôme Poggi, Mohsen Gallery, and The Hole.
- Gallery Support Programme expanded to 17 galleries from 5 countries: Portugal, Romania, France, USA, Netherlands.
- Collectors are predominantly Turkish, but international VIP attendance increased significantly in 2018.
- Contemporary Istanbul Art, Culture and Education Foundation launched in 2018.
- Foundation aims to provide educational programs, foster collaborations, promote collector education, and establish artist residencies.
- Art market in Istanbul gradually recovering from political and economic difficulties; Prix Pictet and Istanbul Design Biennale cited as positive signs.
- Fair aims to collaborate with Istanbul Biennial team in 2019.
Entities
Institutions
- Contemporary Istanbul
- Almine Rech
- Ethan Cohen
- Herve Loevenbrock
- Jocelyn Wolff
- Galerie Jérôme Poggi
- Mohsen Gallery
- The Hole
- Contemporary Istanbul Art, Culture and Education Foundation
- Prix Pictet
- Istanbul Design Biennale
- Istanbul Biennial
- Artribune
Locations
- Istanbul
- Turkey
- Asia
- Middle East
- Europe
- Portugal
- Romania
- France
- United States
- Netherlands