ARTANKARA 11th International Contemporary Art Fair Came to a Close After a Five-Day Celebration!
The Capital’s Grand Gathering for Contemporary Art Has Concluded
Bringing art lovers together for the 11th time, the ARTANKARA International Contemporary Art Fair took place at ATO Congresium between February 19–23, 2025. This year once again, the fair attracted wide audiences alongside art professionals, collectors, galleries, and artists—standing out with influential events and strong collaborations. The VIP opening ceremony was held with the participation of Türkiye’s Minister of Culture and Tourism, Mehmet Nuri Ersoy.
A Powerful Start: VIP Preview & Public Fair Days
The VIP Preview Day on February 19 welcomed leading figures from the art world, prominent collectors, government representatives, protocol members, and the art press. From February 20 to 23, visitors had the chance to explore works presented by 150 exhibitors across an 18,000 m² fairground—featuring creations from 1,500+ artists. Enriched by partnerships with academic institutions and cultural initiatives, the fair hosted artists from 40+ countries, contributing global diversity and artistic dialogue.
Record-Breaking Attendance!
Surpassing last year’s remarkable interest, ARTANKARA 2025 welcomed 83,000 visitors, marking a new record. Strong nationwide attendance beyond Ankara demonstrated once again how the fair continues to grow its importance within the international art arena.
Honorary Awards Found Their Recipients
Within the scope of the prestigious ARTANKARA Honorary Awards, which recognize valuable contributions to art every year:
The Artist Honor Award was presented to Kezban Arca Batıbeki, personally by Minister of Culture & Tourism, Mehmet Nuri Ersoy
The Contribution to Art Honor Award was presented to Mustafa Taviloğlu by Prof. Süleyman Saim Tekcan
The Institutional Contribution to Art Honor Award was presented to Borusan Contemporary by ATO Chairman Gürsel Baran, received by Borusan Contemporary Director, Dr. Kumru Eren
These honors acknowledged once again the achievements of individuals and institutions shaping different dimensions of art.
Panels, Talks, Workshops and Performances Drew Great Attention
ARTANKARA 2025 inspired art lovers not only through exhibitions and special projects, but also with panels, talks, workshops and live performances that addressed important subjects shaping the art world. The panels organized under the Art Talks event series contributed to the cultural atmosphere of the fair and offered participants the opportunity to explore different perspectives in art.
While the panel titled “How to Make an Art Investment?” presented key insights into the art market, the panel specially held for the 80th anniversary of UNESCO, “UNESCO and Cultural Industries”, focused on the future of culture-driven industries.
The talk session “Advice to My Young Colleagues from My Own Youth” delivered inspiring reflections for emerging artists, while the panel “Copyright of the Artwork Owner in Visual Arts” raised awareness on important legal issues for artists.
The subject of “Cultural Desertification”, which has been increasingly discussed in the art world, was also examined during the fair. The panel included in-depth discussions on the decrease of cultural diversity, the standardization of artistic production, and the challenges faced by independent art producers.
In addition to panel discussions, many other enjoyable and interactive events were held for visitors. Music performances, artist workshops and live art shows presented across different areas of the fairground created memorable experiences. In the workshops, hands-on practices on both traditional and contemporary techniques took place, while stage performances and live sessions brought energy and movement to the fair atmosphere.
Through these events, art lovers had the chance to discover and experience different dimensions of art.
After Days Filled with Art
ARTANKARA once again revealed the unifying power of art. The fair, which continues to grow every year, keeps offering a unique experience for art audiences. This year, the support of the United Painters and Sculptors Association and the All Art Galleries Association played an important role in the organization of the fair, while TAV contributed as the promotion sponsor, helping the event reach wider audiences.
As the capital’s most important art gathering, ARTANKARA is already preparing to welcome art lovers with a stronger program on March 25–29, 2026!
Mark your calendars for ARTANKARA 2026!
Get ready — ARTANKARA 2026 is coming. And don’t forget to save the date!