Curator · Founder of Istanbul Concept istanbulconcept.com
About
About
Işık Gençoğlu is a curator and cultural producer whose practice operates at the intersection of contemporary art, cultural strategy, and long-term value creation.
She approaches art not solely as an aesthetic field, but as a cultural, social, and economic force capable of generating sustainable impact.
In 2006, she founded Istanbul Concept, which has since evolved from an independent gallery initiative into a multi-layered cultural platform encompassing exhibitions, festivals, publishing, and international collaborations.
Her work focuses on building cultural brands, developing long-term narratives, and positioning artistic production within global contexts.
Curatorial & Strategic Approach
Gençoğlu’s curatorial methodology extends beyond exhibition-making.
She works with projects as living structures — conceived, developed, communicated, and positioned with long-term vision.
Rather than producing isolated cultural moments, she designs frameworks that connect:
- artistic production
- institutional partners
- collectors and audiences
Her practice is grounded in sustainability, narrative coherence, and international visibility.
Selected Projects
Istanbul Concept
Founded in 2006, Istanbul Concept is an independent cultural platform bringing together contemporary art, design, and critical thought. Through its gallery, studio, and international initiatives, the platform supports artists while creating long-term cultural value and visibility across borders.
360 Degrees of Love Festival
Now in its 18th year, the festival repositions love beyond romantic clichés, addressing it as a social, ethical, and cultural practice. Through exhibitions, conferences, and public programs, it offers a multidisciplinary and inclusive cultural experience.
Stories of Anatolian Territory
Developed between 2012–2013 and presented in Seattle and Houston upon invitation by NCECA, this traveling exhibition series introduced contemporary Turkish ceramic artists to international audiences through themes of tolerance, balance, and shared cultural responsibility rooted in Anatolian traditions.
Strategic Advisory & Collection Development
Alongside her curatorial work, Işık Gençoğlu advises private collectors, institutions, and corporate partners on art collection development and cultural strategy.
Her advisory practice is shaped through a curatorial lens, focusing not only on acquisition but on:
- long-term collection strategy
- narrative and conceptual coherence
- international positioning and legacy planning
Each collaboration is designed to build collections that hold both cultural depth and sustainable value.
Artwork by Yonca Saraçoğlu
Leadership & Institutional Roles
Işık Gençoğlu is the Founding President and Chair of the Board of the Istanbul Creative Industries Association, where she actively works on strengthening the cultural ecosystem, supporting creative industries, and fostering international dialogue.
Why Work Together
- Curatorial leadership combined with strategic project management
- Proven experience in building and scaling cultural brands
- Ability to position local cultural production within global frameworks
- Long-term vision connecting art, institutions, and investment
Artwork by Andreas Georgiadis