Contemporary Istanbul, which changed its dates with the new director, will coincide with the opening of the 15th Istanbul Biennial, according to recent statements by the chairman of the board of directors Ali Güreli. This change also contributes to the country's economy and the tourism sector.

Contemporary Istanbul will be brought forward by 1.5 months; instead of in which fair was held for 11 years, November, it will take place in the second week of September to coincide with the Istanbul Biennial to begin on September 5th. Moreover, İstanbul Art Week - an initiative of Contemporary Istanbul sponsored by art institutions, including galleries and privately run Sakıp Sabancı museum, together with the fair, plan to increase its contribution to economy and tourism by organizing the event simultaneously with the biennial.

Contemporary Istanbul, between 14-17 September, is also considering supporting the purchase motivation of Turkish art collectors. The value of works sold at the art fair, has reached $ 102 million in 2014, fell to $ 67.4 million in 2015 and $ 56 million in 2016, but the proportion of works sold has risen to 60 percent in comparison to the last two years. The fact that Ali Güreli is in search of state support for tax change in the purchase of art, if the tax reduction is realized, it can have a positive effect to the sales. We talked with the new director of the fair Kamiar Maleki about how all of these changes and new initiative will effect the art scene of Istanbul.

Considering the current state of economy and tourism sector in Turkey, what will be the primary affects of Contemporary Istanbul changing dates to join forces with biennial?

Contemporary Istanbul is looking forward to create an art hub in this city. By moving our dates, we are collaborating with the 15th Istanbul Biennale to create one big art moment in the city. Last week, we announced the first Istanbul Art Week, a collaboration between prominent museums, galleries , 12th CI Fair and the 15th Istanbul Biennial. This will become the new exciting moment in the global art calendar.

Contemporary Istanbul is now supported by the local government. What is distinctive and motivational about the fair to support compared to other institutions?

Well, this is not the case for anyone. Istanbul Art week is receiving support from the Municipality of Istanbul to manage this art event. That said, is initiated by us. Contemporary Istanbul is a privately owned organisation. That is now trying to bring in the best galleries of the region as well as the best international ones. We are doing everything we can to put Istanbul onto the global  art map.

Do you think there will be a rise in the number of international collectors visiting the fair? Will this affect the market share of galleries during biennial season? 

We aim to increase the quality of visitors rather than quantity. Our aim is to increase the visibility and performance of the fair to attract great galleries during the Biennale years as much as during non bienale years. This is why we are creating the Istanbul Art week to repeat this every year. 

Istanbul Art Week will be a huge initiative with museums, galleries and privately run museums such as Sabancı museum. Contemporary Istanbul now joins forces with the city’s biennial and all other major players in Turkish art scene. From this aspect, can we say fair is now playing a crucial cultural role?

A successful fair in an art hub is always important as it plays a pivotal part in the  creation of an art economy. It attracts visitors internationally and locally to come and visit all the galleries in one spot. People do not often have time to visit all gallery openings so this will give them a great overview. Also we have been around for 11 years and attracted 80000 visitors last year and had 70 galleries present. We have been playing a crucial role in the Istanbul art scene for many years as we work on many philanthropic projects behind the scenes such as Istanbul Art week which we have initiated.

Chairman of Contemporary Istanbul Ali Güreli has been lobbying for changes on tax when it comes to art. Are there any improvements to sell art easier in İstanbul?

Since I have taken charge we have tried to make art more accessible for the turkish collectors. One of this factors was to talk to the government and see if we can lower the VAT so art will become easier to trade. 

Recent terror attacks have made entertainment sector and cultural life tough in İstanbul. As a result, it has become harder for commercial galleries to sell artworks. What are alternative business models you would recommend to increase sales?

Art fairs are a great model to attract visitors and collectors at the same time. It is a big cultural movement. Last year considering all the circumstances it was the best year in terms of sales for Contemporary Istanbul.