Istanbul Biennial Director Bige Örer Resigns Amid Transparency Controversy

Bige Örer will leave her position as director of the Istanbul Biennial on January 15, 2024, departing from roles she has held at the Istanbul Foundation for Culture and Arts since 2008. Her resignation follows significant controversy surrounding the selection process for the 18th Istanbul Biennial's artistic director. Last summer, İKSV rejected curator Defne Ayas in favor of Iwona Blazwick, sparking public criticism. In October, artists and art professionals published an open letter demanding better biennials and greater transparency from the foundation. Kaya Genç documented these developments in an August ArtReview report, noting how the opaque selection process prompted an initiative demanding clarity. Genç connected these transparency demands to broader concerns in Turkey about political silence and growing government pressure on arts and culture. An open forum addressing unethical practices in Turkish art commissioning, production, and distribution is scheduled for January 7, 2024, in Istanbul, with Genç planning a follow-up report. İKSV has not indicated plans to search for a new director but confirms preparations for the 18th Istanbul Biennial continue unchanged. Örer intends to pursue independent projects after her departure.