Sakıp Sabancı Art Award

2023 "Sakip Sabanci Art Awards" were given on November 16, 2023 at a ceremony held at the Istanbul Painting and Sculpture Museum.

The "Sakıp Sabancı Art Awards", which was started by Sakıp Sabancı in 1994 to support young artists at the beginning of their careers and continued uninterruptedly by the Sabancı Foundation, were presented to the winners for the 30th time.

The award ceremony was held at the Istanbul Painting and Sculpture Museum, awards were presented by Sabancı Holding Board Member Melisa Sabancı Tapan to young artists who graduated with honors from the Painting, Sculpture and Traditional Turkish Arts departments of Mimar Sinan Fine Arts University. Awards worth 240 Republic Gold Coins were given to 9 outstanding students. The ceremony also hosted an exhibition of the 30-year journey of the awards.

The Sakıp Sabancı Art Awards, contiuned by the Sabancı Foundation, has rewarded 269 young artists with 7,185 Republic Gold Coins in 30 years.

The "Sakıp Sabancı Art Awards", which was started by Sakıp Sabancı in 1994 to support young artists at the beginning of their careers and continued by the Sabancı Foundation, were presented to the winners for the 29th time.

The award ceremony was held in The Seed at the Sakıp Sabancı Museum and Sabancı Foundation General Manager Nevgül Bilsel Safkan presented the awards to young artists who graduated with honors from the Painting, Sculpture and Traditional Turkish Arts departments of Mimar Sinan Fine Arts University. Awards worth 225 Republic Gold Coins were given to 8 outstanding students.

The Sakıp Sabancı Art Awards, contiuned by the Sabancı Foundation, has rewarded 260 young artists with 6,945 Republic Gold Coins in 29 years.

The "Sakıp Sabancı Art Awards", which was started by Sakıp Sabancı in 1994 to support young artists at the beginning of their careers and continued by the Sabancı Foundation, were presented to the winners for the 28th time. The award ceremony was held in The SEED at the Sakıp Sabancı Museum, and Nevgül Bilsel Safkan, General Manager of the Sabancı Foundation, presented to those young artists who are the top three graduates of the departments of the Painting, Sculpture and Traditional Turkish Arts in Mimar Sinan Fine Arts University. Awards worth 240 Republic gold coins were given to 9 outstanding students.

The award winners of 2021 were Sema Balaban, Naz Tansel, Yiğit Özboran from the Department of Painting; Esra Ekşi, Elif İlke Bultan and İrem Kopuz from the Department of Sculpture; and Şulegül Bektaş, Berfin Kartal and İlayda Melike Ergene from the Department of Traditional Turkish Arts.

The Sakıp Sabancı Art Awards, continued by the Sabancı Foundation, has rewarded more than 250 young artists with 6,720 Republic gold coins in 28 years.

The 2020 Sakıp Sabancı Art Awards were presented to young artists at Mimar Sinan Fine Arts University on November 5, 2020.

The "Sakıp Sabancı Art Awards", which was started by Sakıp Sabancı in 1994 to reward the achievements of the artists and continued by the Sabancı Foundation, found their owners for the 27th time. Awards worth 240 Republic Gold in total were presented by Sabancı Foundation General Manager Nevgül Bilsel Safkan and the Rector of Mimar Sinan Fine Arts University Prof. Dr. Handan İnci Elçi to 9 outstanding students graduating at top three degree from departments of Painting, Sculpture, and Traditional Turk Arts at Mimar Sinan Fine Arts University.

2019 "Sakip Sabanci Art Awards" were given on Wednesday, November 13, 2019 at a ceremony held at "The Seed" Conference Center in Sakip Sabanci Museum at Sabanci University.

"Sakip Sabanci Art Awards”, initiated by late Sakip Sabanci in 1994 to reward artists' achievements and continued by the Sabancı Foundation, were given for the 26th time. At the award ceremony; awards were given to the top three students graduating with a degree from Mimar Sinan Fine Arts University, departments of Painting, Sculpture and Traditional Turkish Arts. The awards given to 9 outstanding students were at a total value of 240 Cumhuriyet Golds. The ceremony also hosted an exhibition of the 25-year journey of the awards.

Hosted by the General Manager of Sabancı Foundation Nevgül Bilsel Safkan and the President of Mimar Sinan Fine Arts University Prof. Dr. Handan İnci Elçi, the ceremony welcomed Sabancı Foundation Board of Trustees Member Nedim Bozfakıoğlu and his partner Hale Bozfakıoğlu, Bora Gencer and Esin Özbek and guests from the business, art and community life.

2018 "Sakip Sabanci Art Awards" were given on November 22, 2018 at a ceremony held at "The Seed" Conference Center in Sakip Sabanci Museum at Sabanci University.

"Sakip Sabanci Art Awards”, initiated by late Sakip Sabanci in 1994 to reward artists' achievements and continued by the Sabanci Foundation, were given for the 25th time. At the award ceremony; awards were given to the top three students graduating with a degree from Mimar Sinan Fine Arts University, departments of Painting, Sculpture and Traditional Turkish Arts. The awards given to 9 outstanding students were at a total value of 240 Cumhuriyet Golds. The ceremony also hosted an exhibition of the 25-year journey of the awards.

Hosted by the vice chancellor of Mimar Sinan Fine Arts University Prof. Dr. Kayhan Ülker and Sabanci Foundation Board of Trustees Member Dr.h.c. Dilek Sabanci, the ceremony welcomed Vice Chairman of Sabanci Foundation Board of Trustees Zerrin Koyunsagan and General Manager of Sabanci Foundation Nevgül Bilsel Safkan, as well as Türker Inanoğlu, İsmet Alpagut, Türkan Gürsel, Nihal Yöneyman and Nesrin Eyilik from the business and social world alongside many other guests.

2017 "Sakip Sabanci Art Awards" were given on November 23, 2017 at a ceremony held at "The Seed" Conference Center in Sakip Sabanci Museum at Sabanci University.

Maintained by the Sabanci Foundation to fulfill the wish of the late Sakip Sabanci, the 24th  “Sakip Sabanci Art Awards” were granted at a ceremony with the attendance of Turkan Sabanci and her granddaughter Melisa Tapan from Sabanci family; Zerrin Koyunsagan, General Manager of the Sabanci Foundation; and Prof. Yalçın Karayağız, President of Mimar Sinan Fine Arts University, as well as many distinguished guests from social life and business and art circles.

Speaking at the award ceremony commenced with a short film themed “Sakip Sabanci and Art”, Melisa Tapan stated the following: “It is a great pleasure for us to support young artists and to carry on art awards, which was started by my grandfather in his lifetime. As you already know, my dear grandfather Sakip Sabanci used to give special importance to artists. He would sincerely believe that art is the richness of societies and the artists are very special people. He would like to support and reward the artists. We carry on his will and are very pleased to continue to give this award as an important support for the first steps of these young artists after their education period.”

Following the speeches, students graduating with a degree from the “Painting, Sculpture and Traditional Turkish Arts” Departments at Mimar Sinan Fine Arts University received their awards. Following the award ceremony, guests were invited by the Sabanci Foundation to tour the “Ai Weiwei on Porcelain” exhibition in Sakip Sabanci Museum.

2016 "Sakip Sabanci Art Awards" were given on November 15, 2016 at a ceremony held at "The Seed" Conference Center in Sakip Sabanci Museum at Sabanci University.

Maintained by the Sabanci Foundation to fulfill the wish of the late Sakip Sabanci, the 23^rd “Sakip Sabanci Art Awards” were granted at a ceremony with the attendance of Sevil Sabanci, member of Sabanci Holding Board of Directors, and her daughter Melisa Tapan; Zerrin Koyunsagan, General Manager of the Sabanci Foundation; and Prof. Kayhan Ulker, President of Mimar Sinan Fine Arts University, as well as many distinguished guests from social life and business and art circles.

Speaking at the award ceremony commenced with a short film themed “Sakip Sabanci and Art”, Melisa Tapan stated the following: “My dear grandfather Sakip Sabanci used to say that Painting, Sculpture, and Traditional Turkish Arts are the rich cultural assets of our country. He thought we should embrace these arts. It is a great honor for us to carry on art awards, which was my grandfather’s will, and to support young artists. My family and I wholeheartedly congratulate those students entitled to receive an award. I would like to also extend my thanks to everyone who played a role in raising these students. I wish this award brings them luck and they have all the best...”

Following the speeches, students graduating with a degree from the “Painting, Sculpture and Traditional Turkish Arts” Departments at Mimar Sinan Fine Arts University received their awards. Following the award ceremony, guests were invited by the Sabanci Foundation to tour the “The Arts of the Book and Calligraphy Collection” exhibition in Sakip Sabanci Museum.

2015 "Sakip Sabanci Art Awards" were given on November 17, 2015 at a ceremony held at "The Seed" Conference Center in Sakip Sabanci Museum.

Maintained by the Sabanci Foundation to fulfill the wish of the late Sakip Sabanci, the 22nd “Sakip Sabanci Art Awards” were presented at a ceremony with the attendance of Turkan Sabanci; Prof. Yalin Karayagiz, President of Mimar Sinan Fine Arts University; Sevil Sabanci, member of Sabanci Holding Board of Directors; Husnu Pacacioglu, Vice-President of Sabanci Foundation Board of Trustees; Zerrin Koyunsagan, General Manager of the Sabanci Foundation; academicians, as well as many distinguished guests from business and art circles.

The award ceremony commenced with a short film based on the theme “Sakip Sabanci and Art”. Speaking at the ceremony, Zerrin Koyunsagan expressed that children born 22 years ago graduated from the university this year and Sakip Sabanci was already thinking about them even before they opened their eyes to the world. She went onto say: “Art Awards were presented with late Sakip Sabanci’s aim of supporting art, guiding the young to art and encouraging achievements. Believing that art and artists were the wealth of societies, Mr. Sabanci wanted to crown achievements with awards. Therefore, he valued contributing to creative powers of artists and encouraging people to love art. As the Sabanci Foundation, we also embrace his valuable legacy and preserve it by passing it down to new generations.”

Following the speeches, students graduating with a degree from the “Painting, Sculpture and Traditional Turkish Arts” Departments in Mimar Sinan Fine Arts University received their awards.  Following the award ceremony, guests were invited by the Sabanci Foundation to tour the “ZERO. Countdown to the Future” exhibition in Sakip Sabanci Museum.

"Sakip Sabanci Art Awards", were given on November 14, 2014 at a ceremony held at "the Seed" Conference Center in Sabancı University Sakip Sabanci Museum.

Initiated by the Sabanci Foundation to honor the legacy of the late Sakip Sabanci, the 21^th “Sakip Sabanci Art Awards” were presented at a ceremony with the attendance of Prof. Dr. Deniz Incedayi, Vize President of Mimar Sinan Fine Arts University; Turkan Sabanci; Sevil Sabanci; Husnu Pacacioglu, Vice Chairman of Sabanci Foundation Board of Trustees; Zerrin Koyunsagan, General Manager of the Sabanci Foundation; academicians, as well as many distinguished guests from business and art circles.

The awards ceremony commenced with a short film based on the theme “Sakip Sabanci and Art”. Speaking at the ceremony after Prof. Dr. Deniz Incedayi, Turkan Sabanci emphasized that Sakip Sabanci deeply valued art and artists: “Sakip Bey believed that real rich people were artists. He used to say ‘Your life perspective should be rich first, then wealth would follow it’. As a family, we have always put great importance on the creativity of artists and tried to contribute to this immense richness. We are proud to sustain his legacy and carry it to our day”, said Sabanci.

Following the speeches, achieving students from the  “Painting, Sculpture and Traditional Turkish Arts” Departments received their awards. Guests were then invited by the Sabanci Foundation to tour the “Joan Miro. Women, Birds, Stars” exhibition at the Sakip Sabanci Museum.

"Sakip Sabanci Art Awards", were given on November 28, 2013 at a ceremony held at "the Seed" Conference Center in Sabancı University Sakip Sabanci Museum.

Initiated by the Sabanci Foundation to honor the legacy of the late Sakip Sabanci, the 20^th “Sakip Sabanci Art Awards” were presented at a ceremony with the attendance of Prof. Yalcin Karayagiz, President of Mimar Sinan Fine Arts University; Turkan Sabanci; Dilek Sabanci, member of Sabanci Foundation Board of Trustees; Zerrin Koyunsagan, General Manager of the Sabanci Foundation; academicians, as well as many distinguished guests from business and art circles.

The awards ceremony commenced with a short film based on the theme “Sakip Sabanci and Art”. Speaking at the ceremony after Prof. Yalcin Karayagiz, Turkan Sabanci emphasized that Sakip Sabanci deeply valued art and artists: “Sakip Bey had initiated the Art Awards project exactly 20 years ago for the students of Mimar Sinan University. We are proud to sustain his legacy and offer support to young artists. The number of young artists who have received the award so far has reached 180, including this year”, said Sabanci.

Following the speeches, achieving students from the  “Painting, Sculpture and Traditional Turkish Arts” Departments received their awards. Guests were then invited by the Sabanci Foundation to tour the “Anish Kapoor in Istanbul” exhibition at the Sakip Sabanci Museum.

"Sakip Sabanci Art Awards", were given on December 3, 2012 at a ceremony held at "the Seed" Conference Center in Sakip Sabanci Museum.

Initiated by the Sabanci Foundation to honor the legacy of the late Sakip Sabanci, the 19^th  “Sakip Sabanci Art Awards” were presented at a ceremony with the attendance of Huseyin Avni Mutlu, Governor of Istanbul; Prof. Yalcin Karayagiz, President of Mimar Sinan Fine Arts University; Turkan Sabanci; Sevil Sabanci, member of Sabanci Holding Board of Directors; Zerrin Koyunsagan, General Manager of the Sabanci Foundation; academicians, as well as many distinguished guests from business and art circles.

The awards ceremony commenced with a short film based on the theme “Sakip Sabanci and Art”. Speaking at the ceremony after Prof. Yalcin Karayagiz, Turkan Sabanci emphasized that Sakip Sabanci deeply valued art and artists: “Late Sakip Sabanci believed that societies can solely progress through art and the artist. He had unfailing support for art and the artist, recognizing the achievements in this field. The Art Award is an indicator of his love and respect for art and the artist… We take pride in sustaining his legacy and supporting young artists”, said Sabanci.

Following the speeches, students from the  “Painting, Sculpture and Traditional Turkish Arts” Departments received their awards.  Guests were then invited by the Sabanci Foundation to tour the “Monet’s Garden” exhibition at the Sakip Sabanci Museum.

2011 "Sakip Sabanci Art Awards", were given on 1 November 2011 at "the Seed" Conference Center in Sakip Sabanci Museum.

Initiated by the Sabanci Foundation to honor the legacy of the late Sakip Sabanci, the 18th  “Sakip Sabanci Art Awards” were presented at a ceremony with the attendance of Professor Caner Karavit, Deputy President of the Mimar Sinan Fine Arts University; Turkan Sabanci; Guler Sabanci, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Sabanci Foundation; Sevil Sabanci, member of the Sabanci Holding Board of Directors; Suzan Sabanci Dincer, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Akbank; Zerrin Koyunsagan, General Manager of the Sabanci Foundation; faculty members from the Mimar Sinan Fine Arts University in addition to many distinguished guests from business and art circles.

The awards ceremony began with a short film based on the theme ‘Sakip Sabanci and Art’. Speaking at the ceremony, Turkan Sabanci remarked that they carried on Sakip Sabanci’s involvement in the arts through the Sakip Sabanci Art Award. “Our biggest wish is to sustain the Art Award for generations to cherish his work. We will keep on encouraging young artists and take pride in acclaiming their feats”, said Sabanci.

Following the speeches, awardees from the  “Painting, Sculpture and Traditional Turkish Arts” Departments of Mimar Sinan Fine Arts University received their prizes.  Guests were then invited by the Sabanci Foundation to tour the “Last Time, First Time” exhibition of world-renowned French artist Sophie Calle at the Sakip Sabanci Museum.

2010 "Sakip Sabanci Art Awards", were given on 9 November 2009 at "the Seed" Conference Center in Sakip Sabanci Museum.

Initiated by the Sabanci Foundation to honor the wish of the late Sakip Sabanci, the 17th Sakip Sabanci Art Awards were given at a ceremony attended by Levent Guncal, Deputy Governor of Istanbul; Professor Ahmet Tasagil, Deputy President of the Mimar Sinan Fine Arts University; Turkan Sabanci; Guler Sabanci, Chairman of the Board of Trustees Sabanci Foundation; Sevil Sabanci, member of the Sabanci Holding Board of Directors; Dilek Sabanci, member of the Sabanci Foundation Board of Trustees, and Husnu Pacacioglu, Vice-Chairman of the Sabanci Foundation Board of Trustees and General Manager of the Foundation, in addition to many distinguished guests from business and art circles.

The awards ceremony began with a short film titled “Sakip Sabanci and Art”  Speaking at the ceremony, Turkan Sabanci said, “Sakip Sabanci believed that art was one of the fundamental aspects of social development, and started this award program to encourage artists and their work.  We will uphold these values and continue his tradition.”

Following the speeches, awardees received their prizes.  Guests were then invited by the Sabanci Foundation to tour the “Treasures of the Aga Khan Museum” exhibition at the Sakip Sabanci Museum.

2009 "Sakip Sabanci Art Awards", were given on 25 November 2009 at "the Seed" Conference Center in Sakip Sabanci Museum.

In his opening speech, President Professor Rahmi Aksungur stated that for the past 16 years, they have been receiving the genuine and whole-hearted support of the Sabanci family to aid young artist candidates. He expressed the importance of this altruistic and kind act to the arts and to the artists in art education. Prof. Aksungur mentioned that the Sakip Sabanci Art Award is both a valuable addition to resumes and that Sakip Sabanci’s compassion remains in the artists’ memories forever. He thanked Turkan Sabanci and her family for up keeping the sincerity of Sakip Sabanci.

After the president’s speech, Turkan Sabanci congratulated the winners and stated that “They are the artists that lead the future for the bright people of tomorrow. Sakip Sabanci had great love for painting, sculpture and the fine arts.  He developed this award system to support the arts and encourage creativity.”  After the speeches, awards were distributed to the most successful students.

Following the awards ceremony, the guests had the opportunity to visit the exhibition "Venice and Istanbul during the Ottoman Period" in the Sakip Sabanci Museum.

2008 “Sakip Sabanci Art Awards”, were given on 2 December 2008 at the Auditorium of Mimar Sinan Fine Arts University.

In his opening speech, President Professor Rahmi Aksungur reminded Mustafa Kemal Ataturk’s word that “ As unless the art of drawing and sculpture reached to an advanced level in these lands, my reforms do not need to be respected as if completed” pointing  out that late Sakip Sabanci contributed art with this sense and decided giving “Sakip Sabanci Art Awards” and added that these awards are being given to spark art and young artists in Turkey.

After the president speech, Turkan Sabanci uttered her pleasure to be in the ceremony and this tradition to be carried on the behalf of Sakip Sabanci. Pointing out that late Sakip Sabanci gave a great emphasizing to youngs, Turkan Sabanci  denoted that  “Sakip Sabanci Art Award” would be handed on during generations. After the speeches, the awards were given out to the successful students.

“Sakip Sabanci Art Awards”, which are allocated traditionally since 1994 to foster successful students in related fields; were given on 17 December 2007 at the University Auditorium.

In his opening speech, Mimar Sinan University President Professor Rahmi Aksungur pointed out that late Sakip Sabanci liked the art of calligraphy, painting and sculpture very much and that these awards were agreed to be allocated years ago to support these fields. Emphasizing that this is actually a support for young Turkish Art, he said: “This is very crucial for Turkey. Artists are the ones who guide the bright people of the future.” Aksungur denoted that Turkan Sabanci sensitively carries on this support.

After the president speech, Turkan Sabanci uttered her pleasure to be in the ceremony. After her speech, Turkan Sabanci gave out the awards to the students.