The Life and Times of Istanbul series is about the cultural programmes, artist and designers in the transforming city. Read Part 1 here.
When founding director of SALT, Vasıf Kortun stepped down earlier this year, he criticized the position of cultural foundations, though not from a narrow frame of only recent changes in Turkey, but from the broader perspective of late capitalism. His remarks were on change, keeping pace with today, embracing past and future, programming and branding. These are, after all, the ingredients that have made SALT able to provide a programme as diverse as the culture surrounding it.

Inside the SALT Beyoglu building is the Walk-in cinema by Suyabatmaz Demirel Architects.
So much more than an institution though, SALT has initiated an immense transformation of the cultural scene in Istanbul. One of the most interesting programmes to keep track of is Urban Food. Part of a collaboration with Kök Project, Urban Food and Urban Bakery concentrate on creating a network around sustainable food production, distribution and consumption. While the events bring together everyone interested in gastronomy, the true agenda is exploring and sharing Istanbul’s constantly changing food culture.

The Urban Food programme at SALT.