Artists from around the world were invited to participate in Istanbul Modern’s International Artist Residency Program, launched in 2019 with the support of the Istanbul Development Agency (ISTKA). The program was the first of its kind to be organized by a museum in Turkey and brought contemporary artists, architects, and designers from around the world to Istanbul to collaborate with local artisans. Istanbul Modern announced the artists who participated in its first International Artist Residency Program, a project supported by the Innovative and Creative Istanbul Financial Support Program of the Istanbul Development Agency (ISTKA), which aimed to contribute to the promotion of Turkey internationally.

The participating artists were:
Faig Ahmed (Baku), Rana Begum (London), Benji Boyadgian (Jerusalem), Rodrigo Hernandez (Mexico City), Servet Koçyiğit (Amsterdam), Outi Pieski (Helsinki), Randi & Katrine (Copenhagen), Wael Shawky (Alexandria and Philadelphia), and Jorinde Voigt (Berlin).

The selected artists focused on themes of craft and tradition in their practices, working with a range of materials and techniques. They had participated in international biennials and exhibitions, and their works were held in the collections of leading museums and art institutions worldwide.

The program aimed to create opportunities for creative collaboration while enhancing the visibility of Istanbul’s innovative and creative potential. Each participating artist spent a total of six weeks in Istanbul. During their residency, they visited the workshops of different artisans and selected one to collaborate with. The works produced during the program were exhibited at Istanbul Modern in 2020, accompanied by a catalogue documenting the project. As part of the program, Istanbul Modern also organized workshops with the participating artists, as well as public programs and educational workshops in conjunction with the exhibition.

Guests: Artists and Craftspeople, 2019
Istanbul Modern, Istanbul, Turkey