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Istanbul is set to host one of its most anticipated cultural events, the 15th Istanbul International Arts and Culture Festival (IST.FESTIVAL), from Oct. 10 to 12.
This year’s theme, “What Is True Reality?," will guide three days of panels, workshops, screenings and exhibitions that transform the city into a hub of creativity. The festival, founded in 2010 by Demet Muftuoglu Eseli and Alphan Eseli, has grown into an international platform where art, design, film, fashion, music and literature converge.
The 2025 program will feature globally acclaimed names across different disciplines. Among the highlights are artist Jeff Koons, graphic designer Stefan Sagmeister, and musician Kid Cudi. Acclaimed photographer duo Inez van Lamsweerde and Vinoodh Matadin will also take part, alongside Turkish actress Hazar Erguclu, pianist-composer Marcin Masecki, and artist Jose Parla. The line-up further includes performance artist Claudia Hilda, chef Rose Chalalai Singh, and actor Waris Ahluwalia.
The festival will also bring together leading figures from the fashion world, such as Malgosia Bela and Anja Rubik, while cultural institution representatives like Berlinale Director Tricia Tuttle and Louvre Abu Dhabi Director Manuel Rabate are set to share their perspectives in panel discussions.
The festival will open with a special project in Arnavutkoy, one of Istanbul’s historic neighborhoods, which will temporarily turn into an open-air gallery with installations across its streets. On Oct. 11-12, Istanbul Modern Art Museum and Feriye will host panels and talks exploring the theme of reality in today’s world. The program is free of charge, aiming to make contemporary art accessible to wider audiences.
Audi Türkiye has joined this year’s edition as the official “Mobility Partner.” The brand has long supported cultural and artistic projects worldwide and extends this vision within Türkiye.
By partnering with IST.FESTIVAL, Audi emphasizes its commitment not only to aesthetics and innovation but also to sustainability and social benefit.
Kerem Guven, general manager of Audi Türkiye, underlined that the festival provides an opportunity to connect mobility with creativity, sustainability and diversity, adding: “We are very pleased to contribute to Istanbul’s cultural scene through such an international platform.”
Demet Muftuoglu Eseli and Alphan Eseli, co-founders of ISTANBUL’74 and creative directors of the festival, expressed that for 15 years they have welcomed artists and creative minds from around the world to Istanbul.
They noted that Audi Türkiye’s support this year strengthens the festival’s mission and helps bring art to wider audiences.
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