Contemporary Istanbul's CI Bloom Fair Announces New Exhibition Space at Historic Ottoman Shipyard
On April 19, 2026, the fifth iteration of CI Bloom, the emerging art fair of Contemporary Istanbul, wrapped up at the Lütfi Kırdar Congress and Exhibition Hall. The event showcased 28 galleries, 321 artists, and 802 pieces of art, acting as a precursor to the main fair scheduled for September. Founder Ali Güreli revealed plans to enhance the flagship event by restoring the historic Tersane shipyard for ongoing exhibitions. CI Bloom also lowered gallery fees by 30% and established a fixed exchange rate in Turkish Lira. Additionally, a collaboration with Turkish Airlines provides complimentary air transport for artworks. In light of geopolitical tensions following Iran's attacks on Qatar and the UAE on February 28, 2026, Contemporary Istanbul is launching a Focus Asia initiative.
Key facts
- CI Bloom, Contemporary Istanbul's emerging art fair, held its fifth edition from April 16 to 19, 2026.
- The fair took place at the Lütfi Kırdar Congress and Exhibition Hall in Istanbul.
- It featured 28 contemporary art galleries, 321 artists, and 802 artworks.
- Founder Ali Güreli announced the restoration of the six-century-old Valide Slipway at the historic Ottoman shipyard Tersane to create a new year-round exhibition space.
- Gallery participation fees were reduced by 30% compared to the previous year.
- A partnership with Turkish Airlines offers free air transport for artworks (up to 400 kg) and full insurance coverage.
- The exchange rate was fixed in Turkish Lira from January 2026 to protect against currency risk.
- Contemporary Istanbul will launch a Focus Asia program targeting Shanghai, Hong Kong, Seoul, Singapore, and Tokyo as curatorial and artistic hubs.
Entities
Artists
- Ali Güreli
- Roberta Pisa
Institutions
- Contemporary Istanbul
- CI Bloom
- Turkish Airlines
- Art Dubai
- Artribune
Locations
- Istanbul
- Turkey
- Lütfi Kırdar Congress and Exhibition Hall
- Tersane
- Valide Slipway
- Qatar
- United Arab Emirates
- Shanghai
- Hong Kong
- Seoul
- Singapore
- Tokyo