Depo İstanbul Claimed

Depo is a space for culture, arts and critical debate in the city center of Istanbul. Depo focuses on practices which deal with historical and contemporary social issues. Its program includes exhibitions, screenings, panel discussions, workshops and presentations and it publishes an online journal titled Red Thread. Depo aims to become a hub where politically and socially engaged projects are realized and to provide artists, curators, cultural operators, academics, researchers and a wide audience with a platform for exchange of ideas and experiences.

Depo is located in a former tobacco warehouse (Tütün Deposu) in Tophane, Istanbul. Until the 1950s the building was used as a warehouse and beginning with the 9th International Istanbul Biennial in 2005 it was occasionally used as an exhibition and project space. In 2008, following the renovation work which  was carried out preserving the original features of the building, the Depo team started working here and the first exhibition was held in January 2009. The annex building was renovated in 2009 and used for screenings and workshops with the children from the neighborhood, as well as various exhibitions. Since February 2012 it is hosting Açık Radyo, an independent radio station.