The Istanbul Foundation for Culture and Arts (Turkish: ðstanbul Kültür Sanat Vakfñ), abbreviated ðKSV, is a not-for-profit arts organization based in Istanbul to promote classical music, theatre, jazz, and plastic arts. The ðKSV was founded in 1972 by a joint venture of 17 businesspeople and art enthusiasts pioneered by Nejat F. Eczacñbaà Âñ. Its establishment was funded by the Turkish government to engage in cultural framework for the 50th Anniversary of the Republic.
The goal of the foundation is described as turning Istanbul into a major center of international culture and arts. Since 1972, it has gradually expanded the scope of activities. Istanbul Film Festival, first held in 1982, is the biggest annual film festival in Turkey, featuring movies from all over the world at ðKSV centres. International Istanbul Theatre Festival is another remarkable initiative by the foundation.
In 2009, it moved to Deniz Palas in BeyoÃÂlu that is now renamed under the Nejat Eczacñbaà Âñ Building. The first floor of the apartment hosts the Salon ðKSV, the performance venue, where the foundation first-handly organizes concerts and art exhibitions.