Year of Establishment: 2010
Organized by: Republic of Türkiye Ministry of Development, Southeastern Anatolia Project (GAP) Regional Development Administration
Profile
The Mardin Biennial was established with the aim of transforming Mardin into one of the centers of contemporary art.
The Biennial seeks to carry contemporary art from the western regions of Türkiye to the east; to further enliven Mardin’s already rich geography through engagement with artists, academics, students, and diverse communities; to create a new platform for dialogue; to redefine the notion of the “center”; and to position Mardin in a distinctive place through exhibitions.
The Biennial is supported by the GAP Regional Development Administration of the Republic of Türkiye Ministry of Development, the Governorship of Mardin, the Prime Ministry Promotion Fund, and the Municipality of Mardin.
History
With the vision of transforming Mardin into a center of contemporary art, the 1st Mardin Biennial was held between June 4 – July 5, 2010. The Biennial venues were selected from the city’s unique historical architectural structures as well as spaces where local residents gather.
This city, rich in historical, cultural, and geographical heritage, hosted—for the first time—such an intense and diverse encounter with contemporary artists. The artistic activities embraced in this historically rich city quickly secured a lasting place on the global cultural and art map.
Through the Biennial, Mardin has become—and will continue to be—a site of new encounters. It has provided a foundation for the exchange of ideas between local and international artists and major international art centers, creating a multifaceted platform for cultural interaction.
Purpose
The aim of the Mardin Biennial is to bring dynamism to the city through art, artists, academics, students, and people from diverse cultures; to create new spaces for sharing art; to expand the definition of an “art center”; and to position Mardin as one of the centers of art through significant exhibitions.
The Mardin Biennial was held between September 21 – October 21, 2012, with the support of GAP, the Governorship of Mardin, the Prime Ministry Promotion Fund, and contributions from the private sector.
The Biennial was also organized between May 4 – June 4, 2018, with the support of the Mardin Cinema Association and the private sector. The 4th Mardin Biennial was likewise planned to take place between May 4 – June 4, 2018.
BIENNIAL FOUNDATION