About Istanbul'74 arts & culture platform
Istanbul'74 Arts & Culture Platform: Connecting Istanbul to the Global Cultural Scene
Istanbul is a city that has always been at the crossroads of cultures, connecting East and West. It has a rich history and a vibrant contemporary art scene that is gaining recognition on the global stage. Istanbul'74 Arts & Culture Platform is an organization that aims to cultivate platforms that connect Istanbul to the international cultural scene.
Founded by Demet Müftüoğlu-Eşeli and Alphan Eşeli in late 2009, Istanbul'74 Arts & Culture Platform has become one of the leading organizations promoting contemporary art in Turkey. The platform's mission is to create opportunities for artists, curators, collectors, and enthusiasts from around the world to engage with Turkish culture.
One of Istanbul'74's most significant achievements was organizing Turkey's first-ever pavilion at the Venice Biennale in 2011. The pavilion showcased works by six Turkish artists who explored themes related to identity, politics, and society. Since then, Istanbul'74 has continued its efforts to promote Turkish art internationally through various exhibitions and events.
In addition to promoting contemporary art from Turkey abroad, Istanbul'74 also supports local artists by providing them with exhibition spaces and resources. The platform operates two galleries in Istanbul: ISTANBUL’74 Galatasaray and ISTANBUL’74 Karaköy. These galleries showcase works by emerging as well as established artists from Turkey.
Istanbul'74 also organizes various events throughout the year that bring together artists, curators, collectors, critics, and enthusiasts from around the world. These events include talks on contemporary art trends or issues facing Turkish society today; film screenings featuring works by emerging filmmakers; performances showcasing new music or dance pieces; workshops where participants can learn new skills or techniques related to their craft.
The platform's commitment to promoting Turkish culture extends beyond the art world. Istanbul'74 also organizes events that showcase Turkish cuisine, fashion, and design. These events provide a platform for local designers and chefs to showcase their work to an international audience.
Istanbul'74's efforts have not gone unnoticed. The platform has received numerous awards and recognition for its contributions to the arts in Turkey. In 2015, Istanbul'74 was awarded the prestigious European Cultural Foundation Princess Margriet Award for Culture.
In conclusion, Istanbul'74 Arts & Culture Platform is an organization that is making significant contributions to the promotion of contemporary art from Turkey on the global stage. Its commitment to supporting local artists and promoting Turkish culture through various events makes it a vital player in Istanbul's cultural scene. With its continued efforts, Istanbul'74 is sure to play an essential role in shaping Turkey's cultural landscape for years to come.