SAHA Studio is now accepting applications from visual artists for its 12th term, running from July to December 2026!

As a multifaceted research and production program, SAHA Studio aims to enrich the research and production processes of selected artists by providing studio space and a production budget at its İMÇ facilities over a six-month period, along with opportunities for feedback and network building. During the program, artists meet not only with curators, researchers, and art professionals from Turkey but also with visiting guests of the SAHA Curatorial Program from abroad, allowing them to present their practice, receive feedback, and establish new professional connections. Activities such as studio meetings, exhibition and collection visits facilitate shared learning, while the mid-term and SAHA Studio Open gatherings provide a platform for artists to receive feedback on their projects and present new works.

Founded in 2019, SAHA Studio receives support from a preliminary jury composed of artists with previous program experience, which rotates annually over two-term cycles to make the selection process more participatory. Applications highlighted by the preliminary jury, composed of one artist from the program’s previous seven terms, are reviewed by the Selection and Advisory Board, which also provides ongoing feedback to participants throughout the term. After interviews with the shortlisted candidates, five artists are invited to participate in the term, with no specific medium or age criteria, while attention is given to the potential of their proposed research projects to utilize SAHA Studio’s resources, the interactions they will create through individual and collaborative experiences, and to providing opportunities for artists from outside Istanbul.

For the 12^th term between July–December 2026 and 13^th term between January–June 2027, the new preliminary jury and Selection and Advisory Board will contribute to the program:
Preliminary Jury: Sibel Horada, Metehan Özcan, Merve Ünsal, Cansu Çakar, İrem Tok, Nadir Sönmez, Suat Öğüt
Selection and Advisory Board: Nuri Kuzucan, Duygu Demir, Serra Yentürk

Opportunities provided by SAHA Studio:
- Personal workspace and mutual workshop environment at SAHA Studio for 6 months
- Accommodation and transportation for participants invited from out-of-town
- Budget (up to 200.000 TRY) including honorarium and research, production, exhibition, and event expenses 
- Basic equipment and crew assistance for production and installation
- Curatorial, editorial, and legal counseling
- Participation in SAHA's art and learning programs

Documents to provide at application:
-  Application Form (pdf file available on the bottom of the page)
-  Project proposal (max. 500 words) 
-  Draft budget (including research, production and presentation costs)
-  Resume / curriculum vitae (max. 2 pages)
-  Portfolio (max. 20 pages)*
- Copies of press reviews and/or catalog scans (if applicable)
-  Reference letter(s) (if applicable)

*Portfolio:
>Must include works produced within the last 5 years
>Should comprise a minimum of 10 and a maximum of 20 pages
>Each page may present no more than one or two projects
>All works must be accompanied by complete captions (title, medium, dimensions, and date)
>For video, sound, or similar projects, please ensure that all links provided are active and publicly accessible

Please merge all documents in a single PDF of max 7 MB in the order above and send to [email protected] with the subject “SAHA Studio 12 – Application”

DEADLINE: 11 April 2026, 6 pm (GMT+3)
Application Period: 23 March – 11 April 2026
Evaluation Period: 13 April – 24 May 2026
Shortlist interviews: 25 – 30 May 2026
Beginning of term: 8 July 2026