History

The Istanbul Children and Youth Art Biennial began in 2010 as a platform where young people could exhibit their artistic work and develop creative projects. Each biennial is organised to increase interest in art and to inspire young people.

2010 · The First Biennial — “I’m Changing, Have You Noticed?”

Held in 2010 at Antrepo, Haydarpaşa Railway Station and the İdris Güllüce Cultural Centre, the biennial presented 5,500 works by students from 320 schools, together with music and movement performances. 3,400 teachers and adults took part in trainings, talks and workshops, and 20,000 students from disadvantaged districts were brought to see the biennial. With 65,000 visitors in total, it set a record.

2012 · The Second Biennial — “Dream Child, Real Child”

The second biennial took place in November 2012 at the Beşiktaş Mustafa Kemal Centre, Beşiktaş Çağdaş, the Şehir Hatları ferries, the Şirket-i Hayriye Art Gallery, SALT Galata and the Merkez Art Gallery. 507 teachers from 298 schools in 12 provinces and 3 countries took part, with 94 events (ferry concerts, talks, performances, open-air concerts, workshops and more). 4,433 students produced 287 projects (painting, new media, photography, video, ceramics, installation and more), which were shown at three different venues.

2014 · The Third Biennial — “Small Is Good”

The third biennial took place from 15 May to 15 June 2014 at Beşiktaş Çağdaş, the Şehir Hatları ferries, Doğuş University, the Şirket-i Hayriye Art Gallery and SALT Galata. 842 teachers from 291 schools in 33 provinces and 7 countries took part, with 246 events (ferry concerts, talks, performances, open-air concerts, workshops and concerts). 7,311 students produced 349 projects (painting, new media, photography, video, ceramics, installation and more), shown at three different venues. In total, 35,800 people attended the events and exhibitions. 255 teachers and 2,100 students joined 89 workshops, and 35 students and 350 teachers attended 17 talks and conferences.

2016 · The Fourth Biennial — “Wake-up Call, Good Morning!”

The fourth biennial took place from 19 April to 23 May 2016 at Antrepo 1 (Karaköy), MKM Beşiktaş Çağdaş, on the Şehir Hatları ferries, at the Afife Jale Stage and in Ortaköy Square. A selection from the biennial then travelled to Northern Cyprus, where it was shown for 25 days at two venues in June.

1,481 teachers from 622 schools and institutions in 11 countries took part, with 487 events (ferry concerts, talks, performances, open-air concerts, workshops, trips and concerts). 7,492 students produced 369 projects (painting, new media, photography, video, ceramics, installation and more), shown at three different venues. In total, 54,500 people attended the events and exhibitions.

2018 · The Fifth Biennial — “Here and Now!”

Held at MKM Beşiktaş Çağdaş, Şişhane Metro Station, the Şehir Hatları ferries and Ortaköy Square around the concept “Here and Now”, the biennial brought together participants from 10 countries, 51 provinces and more than 400 institutions. The programme included 101 workshops, 9 talks and 41 concerts and shows. 414 projects by 4,233 children and young people were exhibited, and 65,277 people took an active part in the events.

2022 · The Sixth Biennial — “Meeting Point”

Planned for 2020, the sixth biennial took place in 2022 because of the Covid-19 pandemic. Under the theme “Meeting Point”, it was held at MKM Beşiktaş Çağdaş, the Şehir Hatları ferries, Kadıköy Pier Square and Beşiktaş Barbaros Square. Projects by 5,391 children from 438 institutions in 35 provinces and 8 countries were presented. 211 workshops, performances, talks and concerts were organised, reaching a total audience of 62,350.

2024 · The Seventh Biennial — “Hope”

Held around the concept of “Hope” at MKM Beşiktaş Çağdaş, the İstiklal Art Gallery, the Atilla İlhan Stage, the Kadıköy and Beşiktaş pier squares and the Şehir Hatları ferries, the biennial exhibited 579 projects by 5,250 children and young people from 12 countries and 25 provinces. 177 workshops, talks and events were organised in collaboration with more than 100 NGOs and institutions, reaching a total audience of 67,000 and attracting wide interest in Istanbul.

2026 · The Eighth Biennial — “Let Your Art Meet Happiness”

Organised with DenizBank as title sponsor, the 8th International Istanbul Children and Youth Art Biennial took place from 1 to 30 April 2026 at Müze Gazhane in Kadıköy and the Taksim Art Gallery in Beyoğlu. The biennial was curated by Prof. Dr. Devrim Erbil. Running throughout April, the programme consisted of workshops, talks and stage performances, and all events were free.