By Janet Ekstract, ISTANBUL – Istanbul has become a major art hub at the crossroads of the Middle East and Asia with its vibrant museums, eclectic contemporary artists and its unique art exhibitions. The fifth Istanbul Digital Art Festival (IDAF) was no exception, bringing together 80 local and international digital artists showcasing cutting-edge works run by artificial intelligence and augmented reality at the Atatürk Cultural Center (AKM) from June 11-15 sponsored by the Turkish Ministry of Culture and Tourism. What made this particular edition so unique is that it had its pre-launch debut in Paris with the theme “Connecting,” which highlighted the transformation of daily life through digital interaction. Culture and Tourism Deputy Minister Batuhan Mumcu underscored how crucial digital art is in contemporary cultural policy: “AI-based works, augmented reality productions, and new artistic expressions are now central to our cultural strategies. As the Ministry, we see digital arts as an inseparable part of contemporary art production.” Mumcu added that supporting emerging artists and creative minds is essential in displaying 21st century art along with classical art forms. He laid out the ministry’s goals to boost visibility for technology-driven artwork, integrate digital art into mainstream platforms and to promote digital art awareness in society. Meanwhile, Istanbul Governor Davut Gul lauded the festival’s cultural impact and the fact that it’s now in its fifth year.
One of the most striking and exciting installations was “Memory Anatolia” (Hafiza Anadolu), a groundbreaking AI-generated artwork curated by Turkish artist Samed Karagoz, using millions of visuals from the archives of Turkiye’s major news agency the Anadolu Agency, Karagoz who is known to use his art to make visible the emotional and political dimensions of contemporary art – showcased his very successful exhibiton in April 2025 entitled “I’m Still Alive” that brought Palestinian voices to Turkiye, using contemporary art as a powerful act of resistance, memory and cultural connection. Karagoz’s goal is to prioritize art that engages the human condition and his current exhibition will be showcased across Turkiye, introducing a diverse set of Palestinian artists to Turkish audiences. The festival which was open to everyone and free of charge also featured masterclasses, panels and performances across a wide range of disciplines that included theater. Also featured were children and youth workshops, digital shows, theater, robot performances, panels with both visual and auditory live shows.
Curators of IDAF 2025 included Rahim Unlu, Niyazi Erdogan, Samed Karagoz, Evgeniya Romanidi and Turkiye’s first AI curator – Avind. IDAF Director Dr. Nabat Garakhanova said that from the beginning of IDAF’s inception, the concept was challenging since many people hadn’t yet understood the significance of their association’s vision. Vice President of the Digital Art Association Hale Yildirim said the concept for the association took its inspiration from the festival itself. As Yildirim said: “From the very beginning, the Istanbul Digital Art Festival has continuously raised its standards, becoming richer in both content and diversity of artists and works. It started with 10 artists and now features 80. We founded this association to take it even further,” she said. “We aim to focus on how digitalization influences art and create space for technology-based works, increasing their visibility, strengthening digital art’s place among art platforms and expanding awareness in society.”
The Istanbul Digital Art Association was established because of the success and expansion of the Istanbul Digital Art Festival which began with only 10 artists, now featuring 80 diverse digital artists – the IDAF’s goal is to expand digital art in Turkiye and other countries. IDAF also has as its goal support for technology-driven artwork and is working to expand its visibility of technology-driven artworks, integrate digital art into mainstream platforms and promote digital art awareness in society.
 | ReplyForwardAdd reaction |
