Annual event becoming a Turkish brand in art

İZMİT - Doğan News Agency

An art colony formed three years ago in a natural environment in Istanbul’s Sapanca hosts international and Turkish artists. The Portakal Çiçegi Plastic Arts Colony will organize its next event between June 8 and 30
 
Portakal Çiçegi Plastic Arts Colony is held in a botanical park called Dogapark. Artists joining the colony had the chance to work in a heaven-like environment.
 
Portakal Çiçegi Plastic Arts Colony, an art event initiated by businessman Ahmet Þahin three years ago in Istanbul’s Sapanca, has become an international brand of Turkey in the field of arts. The event hosts painters, sculptors and mosaic artists from around the world.

This year the fourth edition of the event will be organized between June 8 and 30 and has so far received 250 applications worldwide.

In a botanical park home to lots of animals

Portakal Çiçegi Plastic Arts Colony is held in a botanical park called Doðapark, which is home to lots of animals such as gazelles, ponies, lamas, mountain sheep, goats and chickens. The event has been attended by 150 Turkish and foreign artists in the past. Artwork created during the event has been exhibited in art galleries in Istanbul and at the Portakal Çiçegi Residence in Ankara.

Portakal Çiçegi Arts Colony General Coordinator Hakan Körpi said, “This colony, initiated by an enthusiast of art and artist, businessman Ahmet Þahin, has become an international brand. Since the summer we have received demands from artists who want to join this colony. Our consultants determine Turkish and international artists and send them invitations.”
 
He said artists joining the colony had the chance to work in a haven-like environment in Doðapark and they eagerly waited for an invitation for the yearly event.

Körpi said they had organized a competition for the creation of a memorial sculpture symbolizing the colony. He said the competition was created by students of fine arts and design and had received great interest.