Çelenk Bafra将指导伊斯坦布尔现代美术馆

Çelenk Bafra has been appointed as the Artistic Director of Istanbul Modern, following the departure of the institution’s long-term director Levent Çalıkoğlu last September. The reason for Çalıkoğlu’s departure remains undisclosed, but it is suggested to be related to ‘differences in principles concerning acquisitions’ between him and the institution.

Çelenk Bafra has an extensive background in the art world, having previously served as the curator and director of exhibitions and programs at Istanbul Modern from 2011 to 2018. She also held positions at the SAHA – Supporting Contemporary Art from Turkey and the SAHA Studio, as well as at the Istanbul Foundation for Culture and Arts (IKSV), where she was involved in organizing international programs such as the Venice Biennale.

In her new role as the artistic director at Istanbul Modern, Bafra will be responsible for overseeing the institution’s art programmes, collections, and curatorial practices, with a particular emphasis on enhancing its international projects and collaborations.