ISTANBUL.- Consisting of national and international galleries chosen by the organizational committee, art institutions and sector representatives, the premier art fair of the region will open its doors this year to art lovers on November 24-27 at Istanbul Congress Center / Exhibition Area and Istanbul Convention and Exhibition Center / Rumeli Hall. Contemporary Istanbul showcases contemporary paintings, sculptures, videos, photographs, installations and limited editions with the participation of national and foreign galleries.

The art fair that aims at being in the Top 10 list of the world art fairs within the next couple of years, is also dedicated to contributing to the development of Contemporary Turkish Art, introducing the genre to collectors with pieces that increase in value and are globally recognized.

This edition brings together 90 contemporary art galleries from 20 countries, half being international, featuring art initiatives, independent projects and publications along with art institutions in addition to exhibitions. 3000 contemporary artworks belonging to 526 local and global artists will be exhibited and more than 1000 collectors will be visiting Contemporary Istanbul, more than 60.000 visitors expecting in CI 2011.

Ali Güreli, Chairman of Contemporary Istanbul said, “Contemporary Istanbul’s aim is promoting contemporary art in Turkey and Turkish contemporary art to the world. We are once again excited to host the pioneer names in art, culture and architecture in our Contemporary Istanbul Event and to contribute to making Istanbul an artistic center of attraction bringing in foreign collectors, artists, press members and art lovers in general. We will continue our efforts to make Istanbul one of the capital cities in the art realm.”

“We hope that Contemporary Istanbul provides its visitors the opportunity to catch up on the latest trends in Contemporary Turkish Art and the global art scene, while ensuring to remain the medians through which the international art communities can interact.” continues Ali Güreli.

For the first time, Contemporary Istanbul will also be hosting galleries from the Gulf Region in it’s New Horizons section in 2011. Furthermore, a number of preeminent galleries will be participating, celebrating aspirant artists and real talent from the Gulf.

Contemporary Istanbul offers a rich experience during the fair with various panel discussions on contemporary art. Contemporary Istanbul Dialogues (CI Dialogues) where local and international speakers will share their observations and experiences of their respective countries’ Contemporary art enviroments and art instutions with art enthusiasts. The 3rd day of CI Dialogues will be special for New Horizon Section; art experts, advisors, curators and art critics will be discussing the current art market, emerging artists and art institutions in the region. Laura Egerton, Curator, Abraaj Capital Art Prize and Arsalan Mohammad, Editor in Chief, Harper’s Bazaar Art Dubai are two of the key speakers within this dialogue.

Also Contemporary art expert on emerging markets, Ian Robertson will talk about the emerging markets and the changing dynamics and geographies in contemporary art.

With social events held throughout the fair, Contemporary Istanbul brings together collectors, press members, artists, gallery owners, critics and all art enthusiasts from around the world.