Istanbul Foundation for Culture and Arts
The Istanbul Foundation for Culture and Arts (Turkish: İstanbul Kültür Sanat Vakfı, İKSV) is a non-profit foundation, based in Turkey. It was founded in 1973 by seventeen businesspeople and art enthusiasts led by Dr. Nejat F. Eczacıbaşı
İKSV Nejat Eczacıbaşı Building, | |
| Formation | 1973 |
|---|---|
| Type | Non-profit organization |
| Legal status | Foundation |
| Headquarters | Istanbul, Turkey |
Region served | Worldwide |
| Leader | Bülent Eczacıbaşı |
| Website | |
The goal of the foundation is to turn Istanbul into a major center within the international culture and arts community. The first international event initiated by the foundation was the Istanbul Festival, first held at 1973, coinciding with the 50th anniversary celebrations of the Turkish Republic. Currently, the foundation coordinates several annual festivals and biennials, a performance hall and other cultural operations linked to its purpose.
The foundation is currently based at Sishane, at the Nejat Eczacıbaşı Building (formerly called Deniz Palas). Besides the offices, the building also hosts a performance hall called Salon, which is also run by the foundation.