The 18th Istanbul Biennial will unfold over three years, from 2025 to 2027. The biennial’s first leg, taking place from 20 September to 23 November 2025 in the form of exhibitions and a public programme of performances and screenings, will focus on themes of self-preservation and futurity.
The works of 47 artists from around the world will be presented to audiences in eight different venues all located within walking distance of one another along the Beyoğlu-Karaköy axis of Istanbul. The opening week will feature a public programme including live performances, a series of film screenings, and a lineup of DJ sets.
The artists were invited to participate following an extensive research process involving studio visits, meetings, and a review of submissions received through an open call held between 31 October and 15 December 2024.
For detailed information and the list of participating artists, please visit bienal.iksv.org/en.
18th Istanbul Biennial: The Three-Legged Cat
First Leg: 20 September–23 November 2025
Press Preview: 16–19 September 2025
Professional Preview: 18–19 September 2025
The 18th Istanbul Biennial is organised by the Istanbul Foundation for Culture and Arts (İKSV) and sponsored by 2007–2036 Biennial Sponsor Koç Holding as well as other supporters, international funders, and funding bodies to be announced.
Titled The Three-Legged Cat and curated by Christine Tohmé, the biennial will unfold in three distinct legs, each building on the previous one and carrying forward lines of inquiry and research from 2025 to 2027. The biennial will be open to the public free of charge.
The first leg of the 18th Istanbul Biennial will take place from 20 September to 23 November 2025 across a constellation of eight venues throughout the Beyoğlu district, inviting visitors to experience it entirely on foot. Further details about biennial venues can be found at bienal.iksv.org/en/18th-istanbul-biennial/venues.
The second leg of the biennial in 2026 will be dedicated to creating an academy and collaborating with local initiatives on a series of public programmes. In 2027, the biennial will lean on its third leg to rest, bringing together what has been encountered along the way through a final round of exhibitions and workshops.
The Advisory Board of the 18th Istanbul Biennial is composed of academic and critic Ahu Antmen, curator Lydia Gatundu Galavu, artist Gözde İlkin, researcher, curator and artistic director Renan Laru-an, and curator and museum director Sally Tallant.
