Istanbul October/November 2009

As a meeting point between 'East' and 'West' Istanbul is a fascinating metropolis with a number of conflating histories, presents and futures. This juxtaposition provides an incredible context for a city with a burgeoning population of 17 million.

By meeting a cross-section of representatives of the contemporary arts scene, there was the scope to discover and engage with a number of cultural organizations (Platform Garanti, City and Art Projects, European Cultural Association), cultural producers, artists, critics, curators and gallerists. Meeting and discussing ambitions, critical issues and aspirations afforded an overview of the contemporary art landscape which has undergone immense shifts and changes over the past 10 years in particular. Artist-initiated projects such as PIST and BAS proposed other manners of operating outside of state support but also an ambition towards realising contemporary art projects in Istanbul and considering both local and global. This issue of state, national and private support was a consistent thread in discussions on ambitions and opportunities in Istanbul and on the sustainability of contemporary art projects. Despite a sometimes difficult context, there is an immense openness and hospitality.

The visit enabled amazing conversations and exchanges and the possibility to forge future collaborations between Istanbul, Dublin and elsewhere.

I would like to thank the ECF for their support of this initiative.