A group of Finnish museum professionals, curators, gallery representatives, and art writers is visiting Istanbul, Turkey, in September 2025. The curated visitor programme allows participants to dive into Turkey’s contemporary art landscape, meeting key actors in the scene, visiting museums and galleries, and attending the 18th Istanbul Biennial preview.
The research trip is organised by the Turkish Ministry of Culture and Tourism and the Turkish Embassy in Finland, and coordinated by artist Zeynep Kaynar. Frame Contemporary Art Finland has acted in an advisory role in the project.
The initiative aims to deepen institutional relationships and create new collaborations between the Finnish and Turkish contemporary art ecosystems by introducing Finland-based art professionals to the local art scene. The visiting programme features institutional meetings, visits to leading galleries and independent art spaces, and participation in the Istanbul Biennial preview events.
The participants include independent curator Taru Elfving, Curator Ilari Laamanen from Malva – Lahti Museum of Visual Arts, Art Researcher and Critic Sini Mononen, Head of Curation Itha O’Neill from Amos Rex, Director of Helsinki Contemporary Olli Piippo, Curator Pernilla Wiik from EMMA – Espoo Museum of Modern Art, and Project Manager Ellinor Zetterberg from Frame.
The 18th Istanbul Biennial, titled The Three-Legged Cat, is curated by Christine Tohmé. The first leg, running from September 20 to November 23, 2025, presents an exhibition featuring over 40 artists, including Finland-based artist Mona Marzouk, alongside performances, screenings, and talks. The Biennial is organized by the Istanbul Foundation for Culture and Arts (İKSV). Mona Marzouk’s participation in the exhibition is supported by Frame.
Photo: Salih Üstündağ / Istanbul Biennial