The 18th Istanbul Biennial has revealed the first wave of participating artists for its much-anticipated 2025 edition, offering an early glimpse into one of the world’s most ambitious contemporary art gatherings. Opening to the public free of charge from 20 September to 23 November 2025, the first leg will span eight walkable venues across the Beyoğlu–Karaköy district, uniting nearly 50 artists from more than 30 countries.
Titled The Three-Legged Cat and curated by Christine Tohmé, this biennial marks the beginning of a three-year programme that will continue through 2027. The inaugural phase will focus on themes of self-preservation and futurity, with exhibitions, performances, screenings, and DJ sets transforming Istanbul’s cultural heart into a vibrant, open-air art circuit.
A Three-Year Creative Journey
The 18th Istanbul Biennial is organised by the Istanbul Foundation for Culture and Arts (İKSV) with support from long-term sponsor Koç Holding. Its three-phase structure sets it apart from traditional biennials: the first leg in 2025 will centre on exhibitions and live events; the second in 2026 will develop an academy and community collaborations; and the final leg in 2027 will bring the journey to a close with a reflective programme of exhibitions and workshops.
The multi-venue approach invites visitors to experience Istanbul on foot, exploring the historic and contemporary architecture of the Beyoğlu–Karaköy axis while engaging with art that spans cultures and disciplines. This walkable format also reflects the biennial’s commitment to accessibility, encouraging both locals and international travellers to immerse themselves in the city’s creative energy.
Artists from Around the Globe
The first leg will showcase 47 artists working across mediums and borders. Highlights include Haig Aivazian from Beirut, Karimah Ashadu from London and Lagos, Eva Fàbregas from Barcelona, Lungiswa Gqunta from Cape Town, and Khalil Rabah from Ramallah. The roster reflects a truly international perspective, with participants hailing from cities such as Berlin, Paris, Johannesburg, Pristina, Beirut, Istanbul, New York, and Yogyakarta.
In addition to the main exhibitions, the biennial’s public programme will feature live performances, film screenings, and a music lineup including DJs glvre, jtamul, LOKA, and Urok Shirhan during the opening week. This integration of visual art, sound, and moving image aims to create a layered, multisensory experience for visitors.
Open Call and Collaborative Spirit
Artists were invited through an extensive process that included studio visits, direct meetings, and an open call held from 31 October to 15 December 2024. This approach ensured a mix of established and emerging voices, creating space for diverse perspectives and practices. The advisory board, comprising curators, artists, and cultural leaders such as Ahu Antmen, Lydia Gatundu Galavu, Gözde İlkin, Renan Laru-an, and Sally Tallant, supported the selection process.
The biennial’s title, The Three-Legged Cat, hints at a narrative of resilience, adaptability, and unconventional beauty — themes that are expected to resonate throughout the works presented. By framing the 2025 edition within a broader three-year arc, curator Christine Tohmé invites audiences to view the event as an ongoing conversation rather than a standalone exhibition.
Why It’s a Must-See for Travelers
For visitors planning an autumn trip to Turkey, the biennial offers a unique way to experience Istanbul’s urban landscape. The Beyoğlu–Karaköy route is steeped in history, lined with galleries, cafes, and cultural landmarks. As all venues are within walking distance, attendees can navigate from one installation to another while enjoying the city’s street life and waterfront views.
With participating artists from more than 30 countries, the event promises a rich tapestry of cultural narratives, from the personal to the political. Whether it’s a large-scale installation, an intimate video work, or a live performance in a public square, the biennial encourages audiences to encounter art in unexpected places.
Beyond the exhibitions, Istanbul’s role as a bridge between continents makes it an ideal meeting point for the global art community. Visitors can complement their biennial itinerary with the city’s other attractions — from the historic Grand Bazaar and Hagia Sophia to its dynamic food scene and Bosphorus cruises.
The 18th Istanbul Biennial’s first leg is set to be both a celebration of contemporary art and a showcase for Istanbul’s cultural vitality. As the journey unfolds over the next three years, this opening edition offers the perfect introduction for anyone looking to immerse themselves in the intersection of art, place, and dialogue.
