Held under the umbrella of the International Art Galleries Association (USGD), with Yapı Kredi Private Banking as main sponsor, Art Show Galeriler Buluşması 2026 welcomed 8,500 art lovers over four days at 2Plan Terminal – Etiler. Placing solidarity before competition and a transparent, accessible structure before hierarchy, the event brought galleries together on an equal footing and offered a powerful platform for the current dynamics of contemporary art.
With its exhibition selection and a talks programme that drew large audiences, Art Show 2026 was far more than an exhibition space: it became a meeting point that nourished intellectual production and strengthened dialogue and collaboration. Its non-profit structure gave galleries the freedom to stage bolder, more experimental presentations, and Art Show once again underlined the case for a sustainable and inclusive model in the art world.
The keen interest throughout the four days was strongly reflected in sales. Participating galleries voiced their satisfaction with the results, reporting that a significant proportion of the works on show had been acquired by collectors. All of this showed that Art Show is not only an intellectual and professional gathering but also a solid platform where artistic production meets collections and lasting relationships are forged. Art Show 2026 stood out as a concrete model proving that lasting gains in the art ecosystem can be built on solidarity and transparency rather than competition.
Organised under the umbrella of the International Art Galleries Association (USGD), which works to institutionalise the gallery profession in Turkey and to lay the foundations of a transparent ecosystem built on solidarity, Art Show Galeriler Buluşması 2026 took place at 2Plan Terminal – Etiler, with Yapı Kredi Private Banking as main sponsor.
A Critical Threshold for Art with “İmkânsız Aşk”
The talks programme “İmkânsız Aşk” (Impossible Love) ran for two days as part of Art Show: Galeriler Buluşması 2026, drawing large audiences and providing a strong platform for the art world’s current debates. Held at 2Plan Terminal – Etiler under the umbrella of the International Art Galleries Association (USGD), the programme covered a wide range of subjects: from the rise of the Gulf region as an art centre to the transformation of video, from producing biennials away from the centre to the role of art institutions in an age of cultural populism, and from the transformative influence of women collectors to practices of organisation and the place of art criticism in Turkey. Bringing together local and international speakers, the “İmkânsız Aşk” talks united diverse perspectives, made a strong impression on audiences and stood out as a key programme that deepened the intellectual reach of Art Show 2026.
One of the Highlights of Art Show 2026: The Honorary Award
In one of the most notable moments of Art Show 2026, the Honorary Award, presented by the International Art Galleries Association for the first time this year, went to Nuran Terzioğlu, who has worked as a gallerist for more than 40 years. Sponsored by Kuru Kahveci Mehmet Efendi, the ceremony was a meaningful occasion that highlighted the importance of dedication, continuity and cultural memory in the art world.
Participating Galleries on Art Show 2026
Pilevneli Gallery said it had hoped Art Show Galeriler Buluşması 2026 would offer an accessible, dynamic fair format that brings local galleries together and creates meaningful contact with collectors and art audiences. Noting that the event broadly met these expectations, the gallery praised the planning of the fair space, the logistics and the coordination of the organising team, and expressed its satisfaction that operations ran smoothly and professionally. Pilevneli added that increasing visitor numbers and broadening the range of participating galleries in future editions would make the event even more impactful, and said it believes Art Show will grow in scale each year to become a permanent fixture in the art ecosystem.
PG Art Gallery described Art Show Galeriler Buluşması as a platform that creates a more direct and intimate line of communication between galleries and collectors. The gallery said its hope of bringing the work of Ceren İren, whom it presented in a solo show, to a discerning, dialogue-minded audience had largely been fulfilled, and stressed that an engaged and interactive visitor profile in particular made for in-depth conversations about the works. Noting that the accessible, intimate layout of the space helped forge a direct relationship between viewer and artwork, PG Art Gallery suggested that adding more talks and artist conversations in future editions, as well as developing programmes for young collectors and art professionals, would further strengthen Art Show’s potential to build a sustainable art ecosystem.
Galeri 77 director Buğra Uzunçelebi said that while preparing for Art Show 2026 they had wondered whether the spatial and technical problems of the previous edition would recur, but that the new venue, spacious, comfortable and with robust infrastructure, had dispelled those concerns entirely. Emphasising that the solo and duo exhibition model sets the fair apart from conventional formats and allows galleries to prepare more curatorial and cohesive presentations, Uzunçelebi said visitors had the chance to experience the artists’ work in greater depth. Galeri 77 said the care shown to participating galleries and the event’s spirit of solidarity were gratifying, expressed the hope that this egalitarian synergy would be preserved as the scope widens in future editions, and noted that small but practical technical improvements, such as multi-socket power strips inside the booths, would be welcome.
Galeri Nev founder Haldun Dostoğlu said they attached particular importance to Art Show Galeriler Buluşması as the first event held since the association was founded, and had hoped to see the identity of the International Art Galleries Association come strongly to the fore and the unity of galleries under its umbrella emphasised. Based on his conversations with visitors and colleagues during the event, Dostoğlu said this expectation had largely been met; he noted that the venue’s central location contributed greatly to the event and suggested continuing in the same space if possible. Dostoğlu proposed that the number of participating galleries could rise to 34–36, and stressed the importance of all galleries embracing, in a shared spirit, the decisions taken before the event.
artSümer, described Art Show 2026 as an event that far exceeded its expectations, with every detail meticulously planned from the entrance onwards. The gallery said it found the content of the talks programme and the diversity of guests, spanning different areas of the sector, highly meaningful, as was the Honorary Award given in recognition of 40 years of dedication. Since Art Show is organised by an association, the gallery suggested that its vision and mission be clearly defined and its gallery selection criteria made transparent. Stressing that the quality of content should be what sets it apart from fair-like formats, artSümer proposed clear frameworks for artist and work selection, solo/duo criteria and installation spaces, and said the event could be taken further through innovations such as a stronger private view day, improved collectors’ and exhibitor lounges, the participation of international press and publications, special award categories and room for large-scale installations.
Art On said it had expected Art Show Galeriler Buluşması to be a warm yet professional platform that strengthens solidarity between galleries, brings together high-quality work and creates a direct, healthy point of contact with collectors. Noting that the event largely met these expectations, the gallery singled out the informed and engaged visitor profile, the constructive dialogue among galleries and the fair’s well-balanced scale as its key strengths. Art On emphasised that the dedicated, solution-focused approach of the organisers was reassuring for participants, and said that increasing the participation of corporate collectors and curators, as well as developing side programmes aimed at young collectors and new audiences, would further widen the event’s reach.
x-ist founder and CEO Daryo Beskinazi said Art Show Galeriler Buluşması 2026 had been a success beyond expectations compared with the first edition. Highlighting the strength of the venue choice, organisational structure, gallery quality and technical infrastructure, Beskinazi said he found the talks programme rewarding and the teams effective and dedicated. He noted that communications reaching a wider audience could boost engagement, and suggested that while future editions might limit the number of artists, relaxing the solo or duo requirement would be a more inclusive approach given galleries’ own working dynamics.
Strong Partnerships at Art Show 2026
Art Show: Galeriler Buluşması 2026 was realised with Yapı Kredi Private Banking as main sponsor. Avant D’Art, Bakırkazan, Diageo Türkiye, Memorial Health Group, Marriott Executive Apartments İstanbul Fulya, Koton, Nurus, Pesent’e, Shubuo and Uludağ supported the event in various areas. Among the partners of Art Show: Galeriler Buluşması 2026, Borderless exhibited artists’ books and editions, while Status Co presented collectible art and design objects in their own spaces. Throughout the event, Petra and Tavern accompanied visitors with delicious snacks.
Participating Galleries: Ambidexter, Art On İstanbul, artSümer, Bosfor, BüroSarıgedik, C.A.M. Galeri, DİRİMART, EVİN, Ferda Art Platform, Galeri 77, Galeri Nev İstanbul, Galerist, KAIROS, Martch Art Project, MERKUR, OG Gallery, Öktem Aykut, PG Art Gallery, Pi Artworks, PİLEVNELİ, PİLOT, SANATORIUM, Simbart Projects, Galeri Siyah Beyaz, SanaMekan, The Pill, Versus Art Project, x-ist, Zilberman
