5th Istanbul Children and Youth Art Biennial
“Here and Now!”
Held for the fifth time with the aim of creating the right climate for creative new generations to emerge, the Istanbul Children and Youth Art Biennial takes place from 19 April to 23 May 2018 under the concept “Here and Now!”
Brought to life by PALETDER (Palet Culture, Art and Education Association), the 5th Istanbul Children and Youth Art Biennial takes place from 19 April to 23 May 2018, hosted by Beşiktaş Municipality and supported by Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality, at MKM Beşiktaş Çağdaş Akatlar, Şişhane Metro Station, on Şehir Hatları ferries and on a stage set up in Ortaköy Square. Besides Istanbul, the Biennial is planned with the participation of schools from across Anatolia, particularly Gaziantep, Erzincan, Hatay and Urfa, as well as children and artists from 10 countries.
1,400 children and young people applied to the Biennial with 1,200 projects. However, only 530 projects – representing the performances and projects of around 7,000 children and young people – can be included.
A first in Turkey and the world
A first in Turkey and the world, the Biennial aims to raise the quality of arts education; to involve the 3 million students who make up 20 per cent of Istanbul’s population in contemporary art practice; to enable disadvantaged groups to make art; to share original works of art produced by children and young people with the public in public spaces; and to improve teachers’ professional skills. The Biennial is directed by Gazi Selçuk and curated by Leyla Sakpınar, Kader Akçay, Fırat Bingöl and Özgür Yener, with music projects led by Levent Güler. Organised with the support of nearly 40 volunteer mothers, fathers, businesspeople, students and scientists, the Biennial counts teachers, students, NGOs, local governments, universities, artists and parents among its stakeholders.
Participation in the Biennial grows every year
Participation in the Istanbul Children and Youth Art Biennial grows every year. According to figures for 2010–2016, 24,736 students from 21 countries and 45 provinces of Turkey took part in the Istanbul Children and Youth Art Biennial with their works, projects and stage performances. 1,521 schools, NGOs and institutions were represented at the Biennial, 6,230 teachers produced and managed projects while guiding students in the events, and 180,800 students and adults took part in the Biennial’s events.
Raising the creative new generations of the future
One of the largest organisations of its kind in the world, the Istanbul Children and Youth Art Biennial creates a space for sharing grounded in multiculturalism on a global scale, enabling different geographies and cultures to be expressed through the eyes and aesthetics of children. Children and young people, who can create work in many fields at the Biennial, from performance to dance and from video art to sculpture, also lead the way in building effective intercultural communication.
Enriched by the exhibitions, concerts, events and workshops of students on their way to becoming creators who shape the future and its technology, as well as producers and audiences of arts and culture, the Istanbul Children and Youth Art Biennial is followed by a wide audience of writers, artists, art lovers, teachers, students, parents and members of the press. Previous Biennials, held at a variety of venues across Istanbul including its ferries, squares, railway stations, warehouses, galleries and museums, have been visited by 180,000 people.
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