UPDATE: The Eighteenth Istanbul Biennial has ended unexpectedly, closing its doors two years ahead of schedule following the resignation of its curator, Christine Tohmé. Initially launched on September 20, 2023, the Biennial was set to continue through November 23, 2023, but will not proceed with its planned future exhibitions.
The Istanbul Foundation for Culture and Arts (IKSV) confirmed that the remainder of the Biennial will not take place due to Tohmé’s decision to step down for personal reasons. This decision comes despite the event successfully attracting 600,000 visitors during its first chapter, showcasing art across eight venues in Istanbul.
Tohmé, who is the founding director of the contemporary arts nonprofit Ashkal Alwan in Beirut, was appointed under new regulations aimed at enhancing the selection process for curators. These changes were implemented after the İKSV faced criticism for appointing British art historian Iwona Blazwick, who was not the advisory board’s first choice. The advisory board is now permitted to recommend three candidates, from which the İKSV must select one.
At the time of her appointment, Tohmé expressed hope that the Biennial’s extended format would deepen engagement with the local art scene and foster collaborative projects. However, with her departure, the future of the Biennial remains uncertain.
The Nineteenth Istanbul Biennial, originally scheduled for 2027, will see a new curator appointed next year. The IKSV plans to reveal further details about the upcoming event, which aims to address pressing cultural questions and community engagement.
As the art world reacts to this sudden closure, many are left wondering about the implications for future exhibitions and the artistic landscape in Istanbul. The unexpected end of this prominent event raises critical questions about the continuity and evolution of cultural initiatives in the region.
Stay tuned for more updates as this story develops.
