Golden Horn Light Festival

The Golden Horn Light Festival, organized by the Contemporary Istanbul Foundation (CIF), will transform Istanbul’s historic waterfront into a luminous, open-air gallery. Showcasing over 20 large-scale light-based and digital artworks, the festival bridges past and future, exploring the city’s rich heritage through innovative installations.

A Vision Rooted in Istanbul’s Identity

Focusing on site-specific, immersive experiences, the festival highlights the Golden Horn’s cultural revival, spanning from Ataturk Bridge to Tersane Istanbul and to Balat Pier. As part of the 20th edition of Contemporary Istanbul, it underscores the city’s evolving role in global contemporary art.

Festival Highlights

The festival will present a diverse selection of over 20 large-scale installations, with 14 ​​​​​​to 16 site-specific works created by renowned international and local artists, alongside 5-6 commissioned artworks by emerging talents. These installations are designed to engage with the urban environment and will activate key waterfront locations, including Tersane Istanbul, Balat Pier, Fener Greek School, Zeyrek Cistern, and Sveti Stefan Church. Spanning approximately 3 to 3.5 kilometres along both shores, they aim to transform public spaces into immersive artistic experiences. The artworks will explore themes of sustainability, historical narratives, and digital innovation, incorporating elements that reflect the Golden Horn’s myths, evolving landscape, and cultural memory. By merging light, architecture, and technology, the festival fosters a dialogue between past and present, redefining public engagement with contemporary art in Istanbul.

Leadership & Partners

The Executive Committee includes Ali Güreli (Chair, Contemporary Istanbul) and Rabia Bakıcı Güreli (Vice Chair, Contemporary Istanbul), with Levent Erden as Chief Executive Advisor. The festival is led by Ozan Turkkan (Artistic Director), Burcu Öztürkler (Project Manager), and Helena Nikonole (Curator).

About Contemporary Istanbul & CIF

Contemporary Istanbul (CI), celebrating its 20th edition (September 24–28, 2025), is a leading international art fair connecting global and local art scenes. The Contemporary Istanbul Foundation (CIF), its non-profit arm, fosters education, sustainability, and cultural exchange through exhibitions, research, and artist residencies.