Contemporary Istanbul, the leading annual art fair, is reigniting the global cultural events calendar with its 15th anniversary fair and the launch of its virtual platform experience this December, marking the occasion with a showcase of both local and international creativity.
Celebrating its milestone amidst the challenges of 2020, Contemporary Istanbul is proud to support the arts at a crucial time, encouraging a spirit designed to invest in and foster the world’s artistic talent and a much-desired opportunity to celebrate culture. Acting as the epicentre of creativity, the fair brings together the very best of the region’s extensive art market and collector base, cementing its position as one of the most coveted cultural events on the international calendar. As such, this year’s programme will centre on the importance of global connectivity, the tenacity of contemporary international artists and the inclusivity of art itself.
In celebration of its 15th anniversary, Contemporary Istanbul is excited to launch its digital platform created in partnership with, and tested by global management consulting firm McKinsey & Co. The innovative Virtual Art Fair is a long-term project enabling visitors, galleries and artists to interact with each other and even purchase works remotely in real time, for a truly immersive experience. The launch of this symbiotic, experiential platform comes at a poignant time in which technology and social networking are intrinsic to our everyday lives, whilst the global challenges of 2020 have highlighted the importance of global communication and connectivity.
The platform will allow art admirers and aficionados alike to enjoy the cultural event and access online-exclusives, no matter where they are in the world. With a view to continue to grow and form a unique hub for all things contemporary art, Contemporary Istanbul thus becomes the first international art fair to fully embrace the digital revolution whilst retaining tradition with a physical space. Through its evolution, Contemporary Istanbul is committed to making its virtual offering a fixture in the global, digital and cultural annual events calendar.
“We are thrilled to have the opportunity to help reignite the arts with our 15th anniversary of Contemporary Istanbul, and reinvigorate the artistic community,” says Ali Güreli, founder and chairman of the annual art fair. “Creative industries have undoubtedly been hit hard by the pandemic, but we are pleased to see strong interest and support from art lovers who have already begun reserving their admissions to this year’s event.”
As the only major art event to go ahead this year, organisers have taken all precautions necessary to ensure the health and safety of all those that visit the fair. Measures such as time-phased entry, strategic layout and directional flow have been put in place alongside well thought out ventilation systems and temperature checks to provide added reassurance to attendees.
Sponsored by a range of esteemed international brands including global technology powerhouse Siemens, leading luxury automobile manufacturer Audi, the largest international airline in the world by destinations served, Turkish Airlines, and trusted bank Akbank, Contemporary Istanbul 2020 invites media to preview the fair from the 14th – 15th December and will be open to all from the 16th – 20th at the Istanbul Convention and Exhibition Center. Tickets to both the live fair and virtual platform, as well as more information about the event, will be available via www.contemporaryistanbul.com.
About Contemporary Istanbul: Contemporary Istanbul is the leading annual art fair in Turkey, situated at the meeting point of Europe and Asia in one of the great cities of the world. Founded in 2005, Contemporary Istanbul takes place each September, moving to December only in 2020 in light of the COVID-19 pandemic, and offers a platform for the city’s thriving art scene, growing art market and collector base, as well as an access point to the best contemporary art from the wider region.
For more information, please visit: www.contemporaryistanbul.com
PR: CI