Art in Ankara

In the 1980s, during his postgraduate studies in Paris, Faruk Sade, an architecture graduate from Middle East Technical University (ODTÜ), was motivated to transform family apartments into an art gallery in a building filled with artists. This gallery, established by Sade, has been thriving for 40 years without interruption. During the 1980s, a period dominated by political pressures in Ankara, Siyah Beyaz managed to establish itself as an art gallery, showcasing its ongoing support for art and artists. This place operates as a dual entity: both a bar and an art gallery. It’s widely known that the bar was established not primarily for profit but to finance the art gallery. Since its inception, Siyah Beyaz has become a gathering place for the city’s intellectual elite, including journalists, academics, literati, and poets, where they socialize and interact. Slowly gaining recognition, it has become a venue where art lovers, collectors, and artists converge, sharing their creations. Despite the challenges and disappointments during times of political upheaval, this bar, once exclusive to a niche intellectual crowd, has now evolved into a much more democratic establishment, becoming an iconic favorite among all Ankara residents. Maintaining its traditions since its founding, Siyah Beyaz continues to prioritize supporting art by preventing the commercialization of artworks and ensuring that artists benefit, all while providing quality entertainment for the people of Ankara. 

SİYAH BEYAZ
Addres: Güvenevler, Kavaklıdere Cd. 3/1 D:2, 06540 Çankaya/Ankara
Working Hours: Everyday 13:00-00:00 / Closed on Sunday
Information : 0312 428 26 41 
​https://galerisiyahbeyaz.com/en/

Armoni Art Gallery stands out as a gallery that has always prioritized its artistic and educational purposes over commercial interests. Zerrin, who has been in this business for 36 years, says she keeps her gallery vibrant in the industry by reinventing it every 5-10 years. “My partner and I entered this business with great excitement. At that time, there were few women in this industry, and the challenges of being a gallery owner were inevitable compared to being a florist or boutique owner. When it was founded, the environment was different, and there were almost no galleries,” Zerrin recalls, summarizing the establishment period and the gallery’s subsequent journey of establishing itself. She also emphasizes that they have stayed in this industry without deviating from certain principles and artists. They have worked with artists such as Nuri Abaç, Yalçın Gökçebağ, Orhan Taylan, Malik Bulut for a long time.
We can say that the secret of Armoni Art Gallery, which has maintained its quality without compromising, lies in building sincere relationships. The collaborations with artists have always been based on real relationships, far from superficiality and commercialization. Zerrin’s success lies in these genuine connections. Family meetings with artists, long-lasting friendships, deep conversations, sharing both joys and sorrows, and the parties held at the gallery are examples that contribute to creating this intimate atmosphere. It’s a relationship summarized as “we grew up with the artists.” The secret to establishing a successful gallery actually lies in this closeness, along with the continuous renewal over time and the refinement of artistic taste through exposure to artworks.

When you think about what could be the greatest asset of an art gallery, what comes to mind? Could it be the accumulated circle of artists over the years? Well, that’s precisely where the success of Arda Art Gallery lies. Owned by Övgü Arda, the son of renowned painter Fethi Arda, who grew up surrounded by artists, Arda Art Gallery holds a significant place among Ankara’s established galleries. As you know, in the art business, the importance of connections and close relationships cannot be overstated. And for Övgü Arda, besides his father’s artworks, another legacy has been this circle of artists and the works they’ve provided. Övgü always had the idea of opening a gallery in mind. After partnering with a fellow army mate, they utilized his father’s network of artists to host a group exhibition featuring prominent painters, thus raising the initial capital for future endeavors. They’ve maintained their momentum by hosting group exhibitions every month since then. The success of the gallery owes much to its partners who have enhanced its value by leveraging their connections, including those brought in by Fethi Arda from Mimar Sinan Fine Arts University. “Orhan Peker, Bedri Rahmi, Devrim Erbil, Adnan Çoker—they were always around when I was little. We would always sit around the round table at home in Ankara, and I’ve been following and immersed in this environment since childhood,” Övgü summarizes the impact of the environment mentioned so far. In essence, Arda Art Gallery’s success is deeply intertwined with the rich network of artists and the nurturing environment that Övgü Arda inherited and cultivated over the years.

Addres: Yıldızevler, Hilal, Şht. Mustafa Doğan Cd 84/A, 06550 Çankaya/Ankara
Information: (0312) 440 59 60
​Working Hours: Everyday 10:30-19:00 / Closed on Sunday 
​https://ardasanatgalerisi.com/

​In 1984, Galeri Nev made its debut on Horosan Street with an exhibition featuring Abidin Dino, instantly capturing all attention and admiration at the time, and continues to do so to this day. Although its founders, Haldun Dostoğlu and Ali Artun, no longer have any connection with Galeri Nev, Deniz Artun, Ali Artun’s daughter, continues to manage the art gallery. One of the cornerstones Galeri Nev values most is its ability to establish strong relationships based on trust with the right people. It is illustrated with an example: “Someone who’s opening a gallery for the first time shouldn’t think that important artists won’t participate in their exhibition. Many prominent artists support newly established galleries. Of course, trust comes into play here. If you start with lesser-known artists and then proceed with discipline, without any issues with anyone, word spreads.” The fact that expressing oneself and convincing artists from the basis of Galeri Nev’s success reinforces its impact and reputation in the art world. As a gallery, assuming every need of the artist, creating a network, considering every detail from transportation to networking, and sometimes evaluating exhibitions without profit motives are emphasized as crucial. Starting to work with a new artist is likened to taking a step into a dance; if harmony is achieved, this collaboration can turn into a fruitful journey. Finally, respecting the artist’s unique stance and creativity, patiently waiting to grow alongside them, reflects the spirit and mission of this gallery.


Galeri Nev
Addres: Gaziosmanpaşa, Kırlangıç Sk No:24, 06700 Çankaya/Ankara
Information: (0312) 466 93 90
Working Hours: Everyday 10:00-18:00 / Closed on Sunday and Monday
https://galerinev.art/tr