Turkish contemporary art takes center stage at Venice Biennale with Borusan Otomotiv as key partner

Borusan Otomotiv, BMW’s official importer in Türkiye and its largest global distributor, is a major partner of the Türkiye Pavilion at the 61st International Art Exhibition – La Biennale di Venezia, running through November 22, 2026. The pavilion, commissioned by the Istanbul Foundation for Culture and Arts (İKSV), features “A Kiss on the Eyes” by celebrated artist Nilbar Güreş, curated by Başak Doğa Temür at the Sale d’Armi, Arsenale. The exhibition explores themes of intimacy, resilience, and cultural identity through textiles, everyday objects, and organic forms that carry personal and collective histories. Borusan Otomotiv’s involvement marks its first-time support of the Türkiye Pavilion, reflecting a commitment to projects that generate lasting value and foster meaningful dialogue.

The partnership aligns with the artistic leadership of the late Koyo Kouoh at the Venice Biennale. “As Borusan Otomotiv, we consider this partnership a significant milestone in our more than 40-year engagement with art,” said Hakan Tiftik, CEO of Borusan Otomotiv. “This support represents a natural extension of Borusan Group’s long-standing commitment to culture and the arts, as well as the strong and authentic relationship that the BMW brand we represent in Türkiye has established with the art world.” Borusan Otomotiv has supported contemporary art for two decades, reinforcing its dedication in 2025 by backing Contemporary Istanbul, Türkiye’s leading international art fair, and playing a pivotal role in BMW’s 50th Art Car anniversary celebrations. The company brought the BMW Art Car World Tour to Turkish audiences through events, art fairs, festivals, and dealer openings, showcasing works by artists including Alexander Calder, Roy Lichtenstein, Jeff Koons, and Julie Mehretu’s 2024 “rolling sculpture.” Borusan Holding has been a cornerstone of contemporary art in Türkiye for 20 years, contributing through partnerships like the Istanbul Music Festival (IMF), organized by İKSV, of which it is a founding member since the festival’s inception.

Since 1977, Borusan Sanat has promoted classical music accessibility, now operating under the Borusan Kocabıyık Foundation. The Borusan Istanbul Philharmonic Orchestra (BIPO), founded 26 years ago, continues this mission. Borusan Contemporary fosters dialogue between artists and audiences via its office-museum concept, presenting works by internationally renowned artists such as Bill Viola, Doug Aitken, Axel Hütte, and Edward Burtynsky at the historic Perili Köşk. It also develops exhibitions and public programs centered on the Borusan Contemporary Art Collection, which is the first in Türkiye to join the International Association of Corporate Collections of Contemporary Art (IACCCA).

BMW Group’s cultural engagement focuses on contemporary art, design, sound, film, classical music, and jazz, viewing these disciplines as integral to its strategic vision.