Sinopale biennial in Turkey cancelled due to political crisis

Sinopale, the independent biennial held in Sinop and Gerze, Turkey, has been postponed indefinitely following the July 15 coup attempt and subsequent government crackdown. Curators Melih Görgün, Nike Baetzner, and Jonatan Habib Engqvist announced the decision, stating that the biennial's team believes in democracy and people's will. The 10th edition, themed 'Transposition,' was scheduled for July 17 to September 7 but will not proceed as planned. Some side events with local partners may still occur, but the main exhibition is postponed to next year. The curators emphasized the need to take a position in the current climate. The announcement reignites debate on whether art should take a political stance, following earlier calls for Elmgreen & Dragset to resign from directing the Istanbul Biennial.