On Wednesday, February 26, the İhsan and Ayser Doğramacı Science, Culture and Arts Center hosted a special event titled “A Story of a Biennial: The Mardin Biennial.” The session, featured Döne Otyam and Hakan Irmak, the founders of the Mardin Biennial, was moderated by Sera Sade of Galeri Siyah Beyaz.
The event offered a unique opportunity to hear the story of the Mardin Biennial directly from Döne Otyam, the daughter of the well-known artist Fikret Otyam. Guests included representatives from the United Nations, mayors of local municipalities, diplomatic corps, cultural attachés and prominent gallery owners.
The Mardin Biennial, a member of the International Biennials Association, has been held every two years since 2010 to spotlight artworks and cultural activities produced in Mardin and its surrounding areas. The biennial also aimed to connect Turkish artists with the international art community. On February 26, Döne Otyam and Hakan Irmak shared their experiences and insights about organizing an international art biennial at this special presentation and discussion.