With its focus on new ideas, exhibition formats, and forms of social engagement in contemporary art, the Istanbul Biennial has earned a distinguished place among the world’s biennials. It holds particular significance thanks to its position in the region and its exhibitions that attract nearly half a million visitors. Organised by the Istanbul Foundation for Culture and Arts (İKSV), the biennial is presented free of charge and on a non-profit basis. To enable artists to produce their work and ensure public access, İKSV also relies on individual support.
You can find our personal support categories and the opportunities offered under each category below.
LIMITED EDITIONS
In 2017, on the occasion of its 30th anniversary, the Istanbul Biennial launched a special project titled “Limited Editions” for art enthusiasts who wished to support the biennial while also adding a unique selection from its history to their collections. The project brought together works created specifically for this edition by artists who had participated in previous Istanbul Biennials, including Füsun Onur, Ayşe Erkmen, Gülsün Karamustafa, Lawrence Weiner, Halil Altındere, Francis Alÿs, Elmgreen & Dragset, Taner Ceylan, Wael Shawky, Michael Rakowitz, Nevin Aladağ, Akram Zaatari, İnci Eviner, Adrian Villar Rojas, and Mark Dion. These works were compiled in a box specially designed by Bülent Erkmen. A total of 50 sets were produced, each featuring 15 pieces measuring 35 x 50 cm. These "Limited Editions" sets were presented as a gift to art supporters who contributed €10,000 to the project. Now, by offering a glimpse into the rich history of the Istanbul Biennial, "Limited Editions" not only provides collectors with a unique piece of contemporary art history but also contributes to creating a meaningful resource for the organization of future editions.
Other benefits for supporters in the Limited Editions category include:
- Invitation to the biennial’s opening reception, opening party, and two collector gatherings
- The opportunity to visit biennial venues with guided tours during the opening week
- Complimentary biennial publications
PATRON
Supporters who donate €15,000 or more can directly contribute to the production of an artwork to be exhibited in the biennial.
Your support in the Patron category includes:
- The opportunity to acquire the artwork or a piece from the production process for your collection, under conditions agreed with the artist
- Access to all special events and two invitations to collector gatherings during the biennial’s opening week
- The opportunity to visit biennial venues with guided tours during the opening week
- Acknowledgement by name – together with other patrons – in the biennial catalogue and guidebook (to be gifted to you), on the website, on sponsor boards at venues, and in press releases
FRIEND
With a donation of €10,000, you can also support the production of an artwork in the biennial under the Friend category.
Your support in the Friend category includes:
- Access to all special events and two invitations to collector gatherings during the Biennial’s opening week
- The opportunity to visit biennial venues with guided tours during the opening week
- Acknowledgement by name – together with other friends – in the biennial catalogue and guidebook (to be gifted to you), on the website, on sponsor boards at venues, and in press releases
CIRCLE
If you would like to support the biennial with a contribution of €1,500, you may join our Biennial Circle community.
Your support in the Circle category includes:
- A single invitation to the opening reception, opening party, and two collector gatherings during the biennial’s opening week
- The opportunity to visit biennial venues with guided tours during the opening week
- Acknowledgement by name – together with other Biennial Circle members – in the biennial catalogue and guidebook (to be gifted to you), and on the website
For contact:
Ceren Hamiloğlu
Istanbul Biennial Fundraising Coordinator
ceren.hamiloglu@iksv.org