ARTCONTACT ISTANBUL MEETS ART ENTHUSIASTS FOR THE FIFTH TIME!
Held between May 22–25, 2025 at the Dr. Architect Kadir Topbaş Performance and Art Center, the 5th edition of ArtContact Istanbul International Contemporary Art Fair successfully concluded with 24,000 art enthusiasts in attendance. The fair opened its doors with a preview and award ceremony on May 21 and attracted great interest throughout its five-day run.
Since 2021, the event has not only aimed to share the universal language of contemporary art from Istanbul to the world, but also contributed to the development of art markets. This year again, it brought together artworks and creative projects from various disciplines with art lovers.
Opening Day and Honorary Awards
The fair began with a special preview on May 21. During the ceremony held between 18:00 and 18:30, this year’s honorary awards were presented:
Artist Honorary Award: Presented to Tomur Atagök
Contribution to Art Honorary Award: Presented to Bilfen Art Collection
Institutional Honorary Award: Presented to Arter Museum
Following the ceremony, the “Narrated Carmen Concert” presented by the EMART Foundation for Empowering Young Talents offered a unique experience for the audience. The opening day concluded with a cocktail reception in the event area.
The Magic of Art Continued for Five Days
Organized by Atis Fuarcılık with over 40 years of experience in the exhibition industry, ArtContact Istanbul once again fulfilled its mission of bringing contemporary art into the public sphere.
Thousands of artworks — including paintings, sculptures, photographs, ceramics, installations, and artistic materials — were presented to both local and international art enthusiasts.
With nearly 100 participants, the fair hosted artists from over 40 countries.
A Gathering Enriched by International Participation
This year, galleries from countries such as Russia, Iraq, Spain, Bulgaria, South Korea, Kazakhstan, Iran, Azerbaijan, and China took part in the fair. Among the highlights were Art Center Bogoridi and BulArt from Bulgaria, as well as Iranian sculptor Farhad Ebrahimi, whose works attracted considerable attention.
Strong Participation from Turkey
Leading Turkish galleries such as The Best Art Gallery, Soyut Galeri, Collectible, Eke Art Gallery, Evrim Sanat Galerisi, Arda Sanat Galerisi, Rıdvan Kuday Sanat Galerisi, Ziba Art Gallery, Fırça Sanat Galerisi, and Arte Sanat Galerisi took part in the fair.
Institutions, Universities, and NGOs Were Also Present
ArtContact Istanbul once again demonstrated its multifaceted structure by hosting universities, art initiatives, publishing houses, associations, projects, and non-governmental organizations. İBB Kültür AŞ, Beyoğlu Municipality, Kadıköy Municipality, and Fatih Municipality were among the institutions that participated corporately.
Art Talks Raised the Voice of Art
A total of 16 panels and talks held throughout the fair highlighted the intellectual side of art. Among the distinguished speakers were Prof. Dr. Aydın Ayan, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Burcu Pehlivan, Prof. Dr. Teymur Rzayev, Prof. Süleyman Saim Tekcan, Muzaffer Akyol, Ebru Uygun, Berfin Uluman, Bülent Yüksel, and Prof. Dr. İsmail Ateş.
Art Open to All
ArtContact Istanbul was not only a platform for galleries and collectors but also an open space for anyone interested in art — those who wish to connect with artists and develop new projects. The fair once again successfully reflected the universal language of contemporary art while showcasing Istanbul’s rich cultural heritage on an international level.
Next Gathering: May 13–17, 2026
Preparations are already underway for the next edition of ArtContact Istanbul. The 6th ArtContact Istanbul International Contemporary Art Fair will take place on May 13–17, 2026, once again at the Dr. Architect Kadir Topbaş Performance and Art Center.
With more international participation, new projects, and interdisciplinary collaborations, the fair is ready to captivate art lovers once again.
