The fair is a new addition to the city’s vibrant art scene and aims to be a platform for the contemporary Turkish artists and the galleries.
Arhan Kayar, director of Art Beat Istanbul said that the organizers aim was to create a unique destination for art professionals and investors and introduce Istanbul’s galleries and artists to the world.
Turkey is currently undergoing huge economic and social developments. The primary objective of the exhibition is to show an example of excellence by showcasing Istanbul’s art scene. The fair, said Kayar, was aimed at art-lovers and arts professionals, both local and international. “For example, we are also planning a series of talks led by artists, critics, collectors and arts professionals.”
“The fair is also a platform for international exhibitors, including Middle-Eastern and US galleries, to gain recognition in Turkey.”
Art Beat Istanbul will be held in the Lüfti Kirdar Convention and Exhibition Centre, located in center of the city. The fair will house approximately 24 galleries, and the exhibitors will comprise of some of most forward-thinking galleries from Istanbul and the globe, bringing an international focus to the dynamic contemporary art scene in Istanbul.
“My vision is to create a fair which will galvanize Istanbul’s contemporary art scene through an event that is international in scope,” said Kayar.
The majority of galleries are Turkish, but exhibitors from the Middle East and US, who have either represented Turkish artists or have associations with the Turkish art scene will be there.
Kayar said that the Turkish art scene had become international and that prompted him to invite international galleries to exhibit.
“For our selection of international galleries, we started out with galleries that have already had a relationship with Istanbul, whether through galleries, artists or collectors. As for next year, we are looking forward to expanding our International gallery component.”
Kayar’s ambition for the coming years is to create an annual fair which will have both a local and international pull through establishing partnerships with arts organizations from around the world.
“Art Beat’s goal is to become the main international art show of its entire region, ranging from Eastern Europe and Northern Eurasia to the Middle East and North Africa,” he concluded.
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