The research trip to Istanbul, organised as part of the peer exchange “Expanding Audience Engagement and Dialogue in Contemporary Art between Germany and Türkiye”, brings together museum professionals from both countries. The initiative aims to establish a dialogue platform that explores how contemporary art audiences can be diversified, and how the historical and social ties between Germany and Türkiye can inspire new approaches to artistic exchange, dialogue, and audience development. It also seeks to build professional networks, identify institutional needs, and highlight funding opportunities made possible through international collaboration.

Taking place in parallel with the 18th Istanbul Biennial, the research trip invites participants to reflect on how such cultural events can act as catalysts for long-term public participation. Discussions will consider the potential of such formats to strengthen enduring cultural infrastructures and promote civic dialogue taking into account different local conditions. The exchange invites participants to share experiences and knowledge from different institutions, regions, and countries.

Over the course of four days, participants will engage with Istanbul’s museums and contemporary art institutions. The programme will also connect stakeholders from various cities across Germany and Türkiye, complemented by presentations and case studies demonstrating diverse strategies for audience engagement and participation. A structured visit to Kulturakademie Tarabya – an artist residency founded in 2011 by the German Federal Foreign Office and located on the historic grounds of the German Embassy in Istanbul – will serve as a working example of long-term bilateral collaboration.

Overall, the trip aims to highlight how contemporary art can engage diverse publics through collaboration, shared learning, and experimentation.

This research trip and peer exchange is part of the museum agency’s programme Open perspectives. One of the programme’s goals is to initiate cooperation through the organisation of research trips to regions with dynamic museum landscapes and the facilitation of initial in-person meetings amongst international museum professionals.

Partner: Istanbul Modern