The Istanbul Foundation for Culture and Arts (İKSV) has been organizing the International Istanbul Biennial since 1987, with the purpose of creating a meeting point for visual art spectators in Istanbul. The ten biennials organized until now have gathered and presented the new directions of contemporary art once every two years, and provided a means for the creation of a cultural network between local and foreign art foundations, artists, curators and critics; it vivified Istanbul, and granted it great dynamism.
The International Istanbul Biennials are considered one of the most prestigious ones of its kind, similar to the Venice, Sao Paulo, and Sydney Biennials. The venues which the activities have taken place are as interesting as the biennials themselves. The different works which are presented in different parts of the city make for a unique opportunity to discover Istanbul. It has become a tradition to watch the works in Antrepo, then rest in the first modern museum of Istanbul, Istanbul Museum of Modern Arts while enjoying the great view and cuisine, and literally feeling the pulse of art in Istanbul.
http://www.iksv.org/bienal11/
