Istanbul Design Week postponed

Istanbul Design Week has been postponed at the last minute due to technical problems with its main exhibition venue, the Old Galata Bridge.

Less than two weeks before it was supposed to kick off on 15 October, festival organisers Design in Turkey have rescheduled the fair for next June.

The Old Galata Bridge failed its annual structural tests last month, and must now undergo at least three months of restoration work.

‘The bridge is such a key part of the design fair that the organisers considered it better to postpone the show than find an alternative venue,’ says a spokeswoman for Design in Turkey.

The double-decker bridge will be festooned with exhibition tents designed by Italian architects Cibic & Partners for the festival.

Exhibitors’ places are guaranteed for the new dates at no extra charge, while those wishing to cancel their attendance will have their fees refunded, claims Design in Turkey.

However, it is not yet clear whether general attendees of the show who cannot make the new dates will be reimbursed. Festival-goers concerned about refunds are invited to contact alessandra.salici@designinturkey.com.

Istanbul Design Week is now scheduled to take place on 16-20 June 2009 and every June henceforth.