Hosted by İzmir Metropolitan Municipality, the Denizbank 3rd IAAF İzmir Art Fair opened its doors at Fuar İzmir. Bringing together artists from Türkiye and abroad, the fair will welcome visitors with thousands of works ranging from paintings and sculptures to ceramics and glass art until May 17.
Once again in May, İzmir has become a meeting point for art. The Denizbank 3rd IAAF İzmir Art Fair, which opened at Fuar İzmir, has brought together hundreds of artists, galleries, and art lovers from Türkiye and around the world under one roof. The opening ceremony was attended by Gaziemir District Governor Kudret Kurnaz, İZFAŞ General Manager Tuğçe Cumalıoğlu, Demos Fair Organization Chairman Sebahattin Aslan, İzmir Kültür AŞ General Manager Şebnem Şendil, executives from sponsoring companies, artists, gallery representatives, and art enthusiasts.
Speaking at the opening, İZFAŞ General Manager Tuğçe Cumalıoğlu emphasized that İzmir has historically been an important center for art, culture, and production, saying:
“We highly value every organization that enhances this city’s cultural and artistic production and international visibility, as it sees art as a natural part of life.”
She added that the İzmir Art Fair makes a significant contribution to the city’s strong cultural heritage.
Emphasis on Art and Support
Demos Fair Organization Chairman Sebahattin Aslan stated that they are hosting some of Türkiye’s leading artists at the fair and that the event would offer five days full of art. Denizhan Özer, Chairman of the International Plastic Arts Association, highlighted the importance of art fairs for artists, galleries, and cultural institutions, noting the value of bringing together artists from both Türkiye and abroad on the same platform. Denizbank Deputy General Manager for Human Resources Tuba Köseoğlu Okçu also said they were proud to support the İzmir leg of the fair following its İstanbul event.
Awards for İzmir Metropolitan Municipality and İZFAŞ
Following the opening ceremony, İzmir Metropolitan Municipality received the “Local Government Institution Supporting Art Award.” İZFAŞ was presented with a Special Award for its contributions to the Turkish exhibition industry. The awards were received by İZFAŞ General Manager Tuğçe Cumalıoğlu from Demos Fair Organization Chairman Sebahattin Aslan.
The “Artist of the Century of the Republic of Türkiye” award was presented to Süleyman Saim Tekcan, while Hikmet Çetinkaya received the “50th Year in Art” award. “Artist of the Year” awards were given to Meriç Hızal, Mehmet Aksoy, Neşe Erdok, Mustafa Ata, and Orhan Zafer. Hazal Ayan received the “Young Painter of the Year” award, while Meryem Dirlik received the “Young Sculptor of the Year” award. The “Curator of the Year” award went to Meral Madra.
Yahşi Baraz and Galeri Baraz were honored with the “Individual and Institution Shaping Turkish Art” award, while Denizbank, Borusan, Ünsped Customs Consultancy, and Arkas Art received the “Honor Award for Supporting Art.” Yusuf Bulut Öztürk was named “Collector of the Year,” and the International Plastic Arts Association received the “NGO Supporting Art” award. Gaziemir Municipality and Seferihisar Municipality were also honored with the “Local Government Institution Supporting Art” award. İzmir Chamber of Commerce and Aegean Region Chamber of Industry received Special Awards for their contributions to art.
Special Section for Young Artists
Special sections were also created for young artists at the fair. Within the scope of the “Future Artists Program,” 100 selected young artists had the opportunity to showcase their works to art lovers.
Held across a 15,000-square-meter area, the fair features more than 120 galleries, art initiatives, and approximately 1,600 artists from Türkiye and abroad. Visitors can explore a wide range of works, from contemporary art pieces and classical paintings to ceramics, glass, and sculpture.
One of this year’s standout sections is the special exhibition themed “Transformation of Material,” focusing on ceramics, porcelain, glass, and processing technologies. Throughout the fair, visitors can also enjoy live performances, talks, workshops, and auctions.
The fair will remain open until May 17. Visiting hours are 11:00–19:00 on May 14–16 and 11:00–18:00 on May 17.