The Istanbul Foundation for Culture and Arts (IKSV) is celebrating its 40^th anniversary this year with an exciting line up of special performances and projects. Apart from its usual extensive list of festivals, including the film, theatre, music and jazz festivals, IKSV has also planned some special performances and projects to honor this milestone.

IKSV is an independent, non-profit organization founded 40 years ago by 17 businessmen and art appreciators under the leadership of Dr. Nejat F. Eczacıbaşı with the goal of presenting the finest examples of global culture and arts to Istanbulites, and to transform the city into a center for international arts and culture.

IKSV’s first arts festival, then called the International Istanbul Festival, was held in 1973. While the focus was on classical music in the early years, over time and as public interest grew, the festival expanded to include film screenings, theatre productions, jazz and ballet performances, and art exhibitions held in historic venues. Today IKSV organizes four international festivals, two biennials, and many more exclusive events throughout the year. This year IKSV will also introduce Istanbul’s first Design Biennial.

In honor of their 40 year anniversary, IKSV is preparing a special book that will outline IKSV’s transformation and important milestones in its development, as well as memories of the organization.  Contributors to the book will include IKSV’s founders, employees, supporters, and artists. There will also be two special events. The first will be a performance by La Furadels Baus, the renowned Catalan theatrical group who will perform the world premiere of their new project “Istanbul, Istanbul” commissioned by IKSV, on June 21 and June 22. The second performance will be held on September 27; the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra will perform at the Haliç Convention Center, conducted by Sir Simon Rattle with internationally-acclaimed Turkish musicians Efe and Fora Baltacıgil partaking in the performance.

In parallel to these events, IKSV will also organize events in honor of the 400^th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between Turkey and the Netherlands. These will include performances by the Nederlands Dans Theatre group, known as one of the most innovative modern dance companies in the world, on June 14 and 15. There will also be special initiatives throughout the year celebrating “2012 Year of Chinese Culture in Turkey” including a special selection of Chinese films that will appear in the film festival and a performance by the Beijing Opera at the 18^th Istanbul Theatre Festival.

While the initial goal of IKSV was to organize an international arts festival in Istanbul, it is clear from its very long list of achievements and current festivals and events that it has far surpassed this first goal. Looking back over the past 40 years, it is clear how instrumental IKSV has been in putting Istanbul on the global cultural map.