Nov. 5 – Across history, Istanbul has been the capital of several empires – from the Byzantine to the Ottoman Empire; and is today considered a symbol of a city between East and West. In short, Istanbul is a center of great interest from a cultural point of view, and it was the European Capital of Culture in 2010. This has been well understood by the historic Galleria Capitolina Russo, who arrives officially on the international stage on Monday, inaugurating its new office in Istanbul. The Russo Art Gallery is located in the heart of Istanbul’s Beyoglu district, the city’s most vibrant and cosmopolitan neighborhood. Opening night will be held at the Venice Palace, residence of the Italian Ambassador to Turkey, with a dinner that will see the participation of Ambassador Gianpaolo Scarante. According to the Ambassador, “the opening of these new headquarters a few hundred meters away from the headquarters of the major Italian institutions in the city, will be another important step to bring the Turkish audience closer to Italian art and culture. This, in turn, will help create a bridge between Italian and local artists.” The inauguration is part of the full circuit of events programmed within the 9th edition of the Contemporary Istanbul art fair, which will take place November 13-16, and will feature, among others, the Russo Gallery art stand. (Roc)
