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An International Festival For Cultural Dialogues

IST. ARTS & CULTURE FESTIVAL

CURATED & PRESENTED BY ISTANBUL’74

Bringing together creative minds across the world

IST. ARTS & CULTURE FESTIVAL

The Istanbul International Arts and Culture Festival (IST. FESTIVAL) was founded by Demet Müftüoğlu Eşeli and Alphan Eşeli in 2010. Since then, IST. FESTIVAL has grown into a highly anticipated cultural event, attended by writers, directors, actors, filmmakers, musicians, artists, designers and performers that share a passion for pioneering creative ideas that transform into a universal language.

IST. FESTIVAL is a multidisciplinary festival that offers the audience an opportunity to participate in panels and talks, screenings, workshops and exhibitions throughout the free-admission program covering art, design, architecture, film, fashion, photography, music and literature. The festival also features artistic collaborations and unique performances.

The History

PREVIOUS EDITIONS

Since the first edition, IST. FESTIVAL has been developing cultural and artistic relations by bringing together some of the most exciting creative minds of our generation, including ‌Gore Vidal, Zaha Hadid, Terry Gilliam, Tilda Swinton, JR, Franca Sozzani, Michael Stipe, and more.

2019

IST. ARTS & CULTURE FESTIVAL

Focusing on “Self-Expression in the Post-Truth World,” IST. FEST. ROME explored the ways how constant changes in our surrounding habitats affect creative minds and artistic output. The participants of the first international edition include Volker Schlöndorff, Michèle Lamy, Francesco Vezzoli, amongst others. Co-curated by founders Demet Müftüoğlu-Eşeli, Alphan Eşeli with Delfina Delettrez-Fendi, and Nico Vascellari.

2016

IST. ARTS & CULTURE FESTIVAL

AESTHETICS IN ARTS & CULTURE

Focusing on “Aesthetics in Arts & Culture,” the sixth edition of IST. FESTIVAL has kicked off with Anton Corbijn’s “NUMBER 5” exhibition opening at ISTANBUL’74 Galatasaray Gallery. Joining the all-star participants for the panels included Silvia Venturini Fendi, Thurston Moore, Parker Posey, Jean-Charles de Castelbajac, amongst others. Curated by founders Demet Müftüoğlu-Eşeli and Alphan Eşeli.

2015

IST. ARTS & CULTURE FESTIVAL

REALISM IN ARTS & CULTURE

Focusing on “Realism in Arts & Culture,” the fifth edition of IST. FESTIVAL has explored how innovations in technology have influenced visual aesthetics, documentary filmmaking, and the perception of authenticity. The festival has kicked off with Alex Prager’s exhibition in collaboration with Lehmann Maupin. Participants and panelists include Harvey Keitel, Juliette Lewis, Edward Enninful, Zülfü Livaneli, amongst others. Curated by founders Demet Müftüoğlu-Eşeli and Alphan Eşeli. Co-hosted by Stefano Tonchi and W Magazine.

2014

IST. ARTS & CULTURE FESTIVAL

INTERCULTURAL DIALOGUES

Focusing on “Intercultural Dialogues,” the fourth edition of the IST. FESTIVAL has celebrated the cultural mosaic—a mix of creative people of different geographical roots, languages, and cultures that co-exist within society. This edition has kicked off with Delfina Delettrez-Fendi’s “Never Too Light” fine-jewellery exhibition, and ISTANBUL’74 Galatasaray gallery opening. Featuring participants Abel Ferrara, Hussein Chalayan, Liya Kebede, José Parlá, Shirley Manson, amongst others. In collaboration with W Magazine.

2012

IST. ARTS & CULTURE FESTIVAL

CREATING A DYNAMIC WORLD ARTS DIPLOMACY

Committing to furthering a dynamic arts diplomacy through a diverse program, this edition of IST. FESTIVAL kicked off with Robin Rhode’s solo exhibition, presented by ISTANBUL’74 and Lehmann Maupin. Amongst the participants were Mark Romanek, Carine Roitfeld, Ferzan Özpetek, Zoe Cassavetes, and more. Realized with support from the Turkish Ministry of Culture and Tourism. Hosted by Demet Müftüoğlu Eşeli, Alphan Eşeli, Cecilia Dean, James Kaliardos, and Stephen Gan. In collaboration with Visionaire.

2011

IST. ARTS & CULTURE FESTIVAL

PERSONAL EXPERIENCES IN THE REALM OF CREATIVITY

This year’s edition kicked off with a private view of “Being with You” by Sandro Kopp. All-star participants include Terry Gilliam, Tilda Swinton, Michael Stipe, Kirsten Dunst, Courtney Love, Sophie Calle, Haider Ackermann, Serra Yılmaz, Ryan McGinley, and Reha Erdem, amongst others. Presented by ISTANBUL’74 and AnOther Magazine, supported by the Turkish Ministry of Tourism and Culture.

2010

IST. ARTS & CULTURE FESTIVAL

EUROPEAN CAPITAL OF CULTURE

IST. FESTIVAL launched its first edition featuring a three-day event series, including exhibitions, film screenings, and literary talks and readings in Istanbul, European Capital of Culture 2010. Participants featured Gore Vidal, Zaha Hadid, Sir V. S. Naipaul, Franca Sozzani, Elif Shafak, Stephen Frears, Taner Ceylan, Kim Jones, Leyla Umar, and Jefferson Hack  amongst others. Presented by ISTANBUL’74 and AnOther Magazine, supported by the Turkish Ministry of Tourism and Culture.