The open call for the 19th Istanbul Biennial aims to deepen a particular line of research within the Biennial's broader conceptual framework. In their invitation text to artists, the curators state: "Art cannot end wars or resolve their underlying causes, but it can open spaces for dissent, doubt, and the imagination of alternatives. Looking at war through art carries a historical responsibility, as well as a practical value, since it can keep in view what official accounts leave out. By setting individual recollections aside—and at times against—the memories that communities and states construct, artists can open up nuanced ways of thinking about life under extreme conditions, and about the questions of courage, complicity, ethics, and endurance that war raises." To read the curators' complete text outlining this line of research, visit bienal.iksv.org.
Under the submission guidelines, the project proposal should directly address the themes mentioned in the invitation text, must not exceed 3,500 characters excluding spaces, and its file size must not exceed 10 MB. The applicant's portfolio should demonstrate their previous work and experience, with a file size not exceeding 100 MB. Applications must be completed via the online application form at iksv.slideroom.com. The open call is open to artists from Türkiye and abroad working across all disciplines; all applications must be submitted in English or Turkish, and all files must be uploaded to the designated fields in the online application form. Selected artists will be invited for further conversations, either in person or online.
The deadline for submission is 23:59 on 22 November 2026 (Istanbul time, UTC+3), and further information can be requested at ist.biennial@iksv.org.
Title
Open Call for Artist Participation in the 19th Istanbul BiennialType
Call for SubmissionsWebsite
Organizers
Submission Deadline
November 22, 2026 12:00 AMPrice
Free
