An art space which calls itself a ‘platform’ rather than a gallery, an increasing trend in the Istanbul contemporary art scene these days, Hayaka Artı is located in the gallery district of Tophane, off a street filled with galleries.

Hayaka Artı was founded in 2006, originally in Seyrantepe, by the artist Dilara Akay. The move to Tophane took place two years later and Akay has been using the multi-functional space as her studio, and allowing other artists to do the same.

The platform supports its roster of artists, which includes mostly seasoned Turkish artists (plus a few Europeans), as well as putting on exhibitions and events such as the ‘Other Sounds Other Things’ festival.

Represented artists include Tomur Atagök, who has had over 40 solo exhibitions worldwide; the artist and kilims and rugs researcher Belkıs Balpınar; the Swedish artist Peter Ojstersek; and the painter Argun Okumuşoğlu.

The gallery closed in June 2014. The activities of the gallery moved online (see this website) and pop-up exhibitions within this scope are occasionally organised.