The Denizbank 3rd IAAF İzmir Art Fair, hosted by İzmir Metropolitan Municipality, has opened its doors at Fuar İzmir. Bringing together artists from Türkiye and abroad, the fair will present thousands of works ranging from painting and sculpture to ceramics and glass art until 17 May.

İzmir once again became a meeting point for art in May. The Denizbank 3rd IAAF İzmir Art Fair, held at Fuar İzmir, brought together hundreds of artists, galleries, and art enthusiasts from Türkiye and around the world under one roof. The opening ceremony was attended by Gaziemir District Governor Kudret Kurnaz, İZFAŞ Director General Tuğçe Cumalıoğlu, Demos Fair Organization Chairman of the Board Sebahattin Aslan, İzmir Kültür AŞ Director General Şebnem Şendil, executives of sponsor companies, artists, gallery representatives, and art lovers.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, İZFAŞ Director General Tuğçe Cumalıoğlu stated that İzmir has historically been one of the leading centers of art, culture, and production. “We attach great importance to every organization that enhances the cultural and artistic production and international visibility of this city, which regards art as a natural part of life,” she said, adding that the İzmir Art Fair makes a significant contribution to the city’s strong cultural heritage.

Emphasis on Art and Support
Demos Fair Organization Chairman of the Board Sebahattin Aslan stated that the fair hosts some of Türkiye’s prominent artists and noted that the event would offer five days filled with art. President of the International Association of Plastic Arts (UPSD Uluslararasi Plastik Sanatlar Derneği) Denizhan Özer emphasized the importance of art fairs for artists, galleries, and cultural institutions, highlighting the value of bringing together artists from both Türkiye and abroad on the same platform. Denizbank Executive Vice President of Human Resources Tuba Köseoğlu Okçu also stated that they were proud to support the İzmir edition of the fair following its İstanbul organization.

Awards for the Metropolitan Municipality and İZFAŞ
During the ceremony held following the opening of the İzmir Art Fair, İzmir Metropolitan Municipality received the “Local Government Institution Supporting Art Award.” İZFAŞ was presented with a Special Award in recognition of its contributions to the Turkish exhibition industry. The awards were received by İZFAŞ Director General Tuğçe Cumalıoğlu from Sebahattin Aslan, Chairman of the Board of Demos Fair Organization.

The “Artist of the Century of the Republic of Türkiye” award was presented to Süleyman Saim Tekcan, while the “50th Year in Art” award was given to Hikmet Çetinkaya. The “Artist of the Year” awards were presented to Meriç Hızal, Mehmet Aksoy, Neşe Erdok, Mustafa Ata, and Orhan Zafer. Hazal Ayan received the “Young Painter of the Year” award, while Meryem Dirlik was awarded “Young Sculptor of the Year.” The “Curator of the Year” award went to Meral Madra.
Yahşi Baraz and Galeri Baraz received the “Person and Institution Shaping Turkish Art” award, while Denizbank, Borusan, Ünsped Customs Consultancy (Ünsped Gümrük Müşavirliği ), and Arkas Art received the “Honorary Award for Supporting Art.” The “Collector of the Year” award was presented to Yusuf Bulut Öztürk, while the International Plastic Arts Association received the “NGO Supporting Art” award. In addition, Gaziemir Municipality and Seferihisar Municipality were recognized with the “Local Government Institution Supporting Art” award. İzmir Chamber of Commerce and Aegean Region Chamber of Industry also received Special Awards for their contributions to art.

Special Section for Young Artists
Special sections were also created at the fair for emerging artists. Within the scope of the “Future Artists Program,” 100 young artists selected for the initiative had the opportunity to showcase their works to art enthusiasts.
Held across a 15,000-square-meter exhibition area, the fair features more than 120 galleries, art initiatives, and approximately 1,600 artists from Türkiye and abroad. Visitors are presented with a wide selection ranging from contemporary artworks and classical paintings to ceramics, glass art, and sculptures.
One of the standout sections of this year’s fair is the special exhibition titled “Transformation of Material,” focusing on ceramics, porcelain, glass, and processing technologies. Throughout the fair, live performances, talks, workshops, and auctions will also take place.
The fair will remain open to visitors until 17 May, operating between 11:00 and 19:00 on 14–16 May, and between 11:00 and 18:00 on 17 May.

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