Arter

A new era for Turkey’s contemporary art scene

Arter

Arter was opened in 2010 with the aim of providing a sustainable infrastructure for producing and exhibiting contemporary art. At its building on Istiklal Street, Istanbul’s main pedestrian artery for culture and arts, Arter presented 35 solo and group exhibitions between 2010 and 2018 with accompanying publications, talks, performances and workshops; and provided support for the production of 183 artworks in the framework of its programme.

At its new building in the Dolapdere district of Istanbul, opened in September 2019, the year also marking the 50th anniversary of the Vehbi Koç Foundation, Arter presents exhibitions from but not limited to its collection as well as performances and events across disciplines, expanding the range of its programmes.

Arter's new building is designed by Grimshaw Architects (UK) and has 18,000 square meters of indoor area. In addition to exhibition galleries and a sculpture terrace, the building will house performance halls, learning areas, a library, a conservation laboratory, an arts bookstore, and a café.

Arter’s Founding Director is Melih Fereli, who also serves as Culture and Arts Advisor to the Vehbi Koç Foundation; and its Chief Curator is Emre Baykal.

Arter's former building on Istiklal Street was renovated and re-opened also in September 2019 as a new arts and cultural institution, operated by the Vehbi Koç Foundation.

www.arter.org.tr

Vehbi Koç Foundation Contemporary Art Collection (2007+)
In 2007, the Vehbi Koç Foundation started an international contemporary art collection, which has grown under Arter’s management and care to include over 1,350 contemporary works of art (as of 2019) and continues to expand. A large number of pieces from the collection are lent each year to leading art institutions and galleries across the world. Along with the inauguration of Arter’s new building in September 2019, the collection will be opened to the public through exhibitions and digital channels.

The collection consists of works by international artists from 1960s onwards, produced in various media including painting, sculpture, photography, video and film, installation, sound, light and performance; furthermore, the collection features an additional focus on the progress of contemporary art from Turkey, in dialogue with the neighbouring wider geography and elsewhere in the world.