7th International Istanbul Children and Youth Art Biennial

The 7th International Istanbul Children and Youth Art Biennial opened its doors to the visitors with the ceremony held at the Mustafa Kemal Centre of Beşiktaş Municipality. Organised in 2022 at Beşiktaş Contemporary Art Gallery within Mustafa Kemal Centre (MKM), the biennial’s theme was “Hope” this year. The biennial, attracting great interest from children and parents, started with concerts, dance performances, exhibitions and talks.

12 Countries, 25 Cities, 5250 Children ve Youth

The 7th International Istanbul Children and Youth Art Biennial, in which 5250 children and young people from 12 countries and 25 provinces participated with the projects they developed this year, is at MKM Beşiktaş Contemporary between 22 April and 23 May. Including the projects of children and young people in the earthquake region this year, the biennial will support children and youth who are looking for answers to the question of what can be done to green hope in areas such as NGOs, science, art, literature, creative writing, digital, technology, disadvantaged groups, climate pioneers, experience sharing, realisation of dreams, climate crisis, climate justice, inclusiveness.

In his opening speech, Beşiktaş Mayor Rıza Akpolat emphasised the importance of art and stated that they are proud to host the Istanbul Children and Youth Art Biennial: “Welcome to the 7th International Istanbul Children and Youth Art Biennial. We are in the second largest exhibition hall in Europe. We have hosted many promotions and shows here. Yet today, this hall is experiencing one of its most optimistic and happy days. We are very hopeful, befitting the theme of the biennial. We are used to being awake even while dreaming. We are trying to be hopeful all together. We are trying to grow this hope, to organise this hope, and we are working day and night for it. Veteran Mustafa Kemal Atatürk once said, 'All my hope is in the youth' and dedicated the National Sovereignty and Children's Day to children; and the Commemoration of Atatürk Youth and Sports Day to young people. Beşiktaş is a very special place in this sense. Beşiktaş is the place where the Great Leader Mustafa Kemal Atatürk lived, where he made all the plans for the Independence War, where he developed the idea of the republic, where he started the War of Independence by leaving his house in Akaretler, going down to Beşiktaş Square, getting on the Kartal Steambot, and moving to the Bandırma Ferry. Beşiktaş is the name of the place where the Great Leader passed away. Therefore, each morning we start the day with a great sense of responsibility and in a hopeful way. We try to carry out all our work accordingly. On my way here, I spoke to Ekrem İmamoğlu, the Mayor of Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality, and he sends his regards to all of you.

“We will continue to facilitate access to culture and arts.”

Since the day we took office, we have been making an extraordinary effort to make art and artists visible, to spread art to every corner of the district and to facilitate access to culture and art, which is nowadays very expensive. We believe that the importance we attach to arts and artists in Beşiktaş is a critical element for the spiritual and cultural richness of our society. On this occasion, we are very pleased to host the Istanbul Children and Youth Art Biennial this year.

Art is a unique language that translates the inner world, emotions and thoughts of human beings. Through art, we can understand our past, interpret our present and build our hopes for the future. This is why the Istanbul Children and Youth Art Biennial, an important platform to inspire new generations and develop their talents, is a valuable event for us. I believe that this biennial, hosted at the Beşiktaş Contemporary Art Gallery within the Mustafa Kemal Centre, is full of support and opportunities for our young artists and children. The works exhibited here are examples that push the boundaries of creativity and nurture our hopes for the future. We are the ones who will bring the new generations into the future through supporting them and giving them courage and confidence. For this reason, we will always continue to support and embrace such enjoyable and meaningful organisations as we do today. I would like to thank all the artists, contributors and esteemed guests who participated in the Istanbul Children and Youth Art Biennial. I wish the event to be successful and productive.”