The Thrill of Meeting Art-lovers Anew
Last year went by in a heart beat; it seems like it was just yesterday when we were celebrating the opening of Contemporary Istanbul (CI) 2008... It was a year of crises and anxiety and a very intense one at that; yet it was also a very fruitful year for CI. As part of its effort to fulfill its mission, CI realized several events to promote contemporary art in Turkey and made considerable headway in raising awareness in society at large. On one hand, conferences were organized to contribute to this issue on a more theoretical plane; on the other, exhibitions were staged to reach greater constituencies. It was indisputably a tough year but there is light at the end of the tunnel. Our record level attendance proves that we could even be already out of the tunnel. Internationally, CI has gone a long way to take on a central role in this geographical region. This year, CI will be hosting artists from many neighboring and nearby countries, from Ukraine to Iran, Dubai and Syria, the latter with a special section devoted to its artists. Moreover, CI is putting all its efforts into securing the attendance of an increasing number of foreign art enthusiasts and collectors.
As we have emphasized last year, events like CI make great contribution to the development of art with the diverse and plural voices that they represent; as well as, providing fertile grounds for catching up with new trends, developments and "fashions". Especially this year, Istanbul has more than ever become a lab for art with the Biennial and numerous parallel events. Condemned to being the "other" among the prominent centers of the world for years, alternative art centers like Istanbul have finally broken away from prejudices and inhibitions away and become meaningful partners in shaping global trends in art. Hence, the 2009 Biennial and parallel events attracted unprecedented international media interest. In light of these positive developments, this year, CI has an even bigger role to play. Taking place only a little after the end of the Biennial, CI will keep Istanbul’s contemporary art scene alive and robust. Moreover, CI will extend its activities to publishing just a couple of days before the opening of the event with a new international magazine. This magazine, published both in Turkish and English, will be an important tool in our efforts to augment Istanbul’s position as an important center for contemporary art.
But now, it is time to focus on our opening… With an opening program that will present diverse artistic positions and an ever growing number of parallel events, we welcome you all to this year’s CI. We wish your visit to prove a source of inspiration and above all, hope you have a great time!
Dr. Emin Mahir Balcıoğlu, PhD
Director / Contemporary İstanbul
