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
Launched in 2017 to mark the 30th anniversary of the Istanbul Biennial, Limited Editions is a special project that invites art enthusiasts to support the biennial. This exclusive set, a tribute to thirty years of artistic vitality in Istanbul, is limited to only 50 editions.
It brings together a series of limited-edition prints created specially for the project by artists who have taken part in past editions of the biennial: 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. The set includes 15 different works, each measuring 35 x 50 cm.
The Limited Editions sets are presented as a gift to art enthusiasts who support the project with a donation of €10,000.
Other benefits for supporters in the Limited Editions category include:
- A single 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
Click to view the Limited Editions catalogue.
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