An international art fair launches in city

ISTANBUL - Hürriyet Daily News

ArtInternational Istanbul will offer collectors unrivalled access to exciting new art from Turkey, the Middle East and beyond, according to the fair organizers.

ArtInternational Istanbul is set to launch from Sept. 14 and 17 2013 at the Hasköy Yarn Factory in Istanbul’s trendy Beyoğlu district. Bringing together leading international and local galleries, this new modern and contemporary art fair in Istanbul will offer collectors unrivalled access to exciting new art from Turkey, the Middle East and beyond. Drawing on its unique geographic location as a gateway between East and West, the fair is well positioned to fast become a cultural bridge across the global art world.

A team of experienced individuals in the field of International Art Fairs are behind the organizers of ArtInternational Istanbul. Sandy Angus of Angus Montgomery is a cofounder of the fair.

Angus said “We have been considering Istanbul as a potential location for a new fair over the last few years. The city offers a persuasive location with immense draw for both new and more established collectors. The Turkish art scene is also incredibly vibrant and we are delighted to be partnering with Interteks in Turkey, with whom Angus Montgomery have a long-standing relationship dating back several decades.”

Fair director Dyala Nusseibeh added “Our aim is to create a dynamic art-world convergence in Istanbul, showcasing exciting new works and focusing on quality over quantity. We hope to develop a strong cultural program in tandem with the fair and to connect in particular with artistic developments in Turkey and the Middle East, whilst bringing in a considered selection of other international galleries.

The Hasköy Yarn Factory, originally founded in 1952 to manufacture wool, has a wealth of character and we look forward to creating a memorable cultural event for our first edition there.”

‘Absolutely needed’

Ursula Krinzinger, from the galleries selection committee for the fair, said “Gallery Krinzinger has developed relations with Turkish artists, galleries and collectors from Istanbul over several years. I am convinced that a professional art fair in the city of Istanbul, such as Art Istanbul International, is absolutely needed and I wanted to contribute as much as I can. For me Istanbul is besides the fantastic art scene, collectors’ scene and artists’ scene, one of the most beautiful cities of the world and this is also a reason to go there.”