| Istanbul Foundation for Culture and Arts | |
| Formation: | 1973 |
| Type: | Non-profit organization |
| Status: | Foundation |
| Headquarters: | Istanbul, Turkey |
| Region Served: | Worldwide |
| Leader Name: | Bülent Eczacıbaşı |
| Website: | http://www.iksv.org/en |
The Istanbul Foundation for Culture and Arts (Turkish: İstanbul Kültür Sanat Vakfı, İKSV) is a non-profit foundation, based in Turkey. It was founded in 1973 by seventeen businesspeople and art enthusiasts led by Dr. Nejat F. Eczacıbaşı.[1]
The goal of the foundation is to turn Istanbul into a major center within the international culture and arts community.[2] The first international event initiated by the foundation was the Istanbul Festival, first held at 1973, coinciding with the 50th anniversary celebrations of the Turkish Republic.[3] Currently, the foundation coordinates several annual festivals and biennials, a performance hall and other cultural operations linked to its purpose.[4]
The foundation is currently based at Sishane, at the Nejat Eczacıbaşı Building (formerly called Deniz Palas).[5] Besides the offices, the building also hosts a performance hall called Salon, which is also run by the foundation.[6]