Book Launch: How Did We Get Here – Reading Vasif Kortun

de Appel is thrilled to host a conversation between Vasif Kortun and Chiara de Cesari around How Did We Get Here: Reading Vasif Kortun, a new book by Salt (Istanbul) and Archive Books (Berlin), which features an in-depth interview reflecting on the conventions of contemporary cultural institutions while exploring the approaches that shape Vasıf Kortun’s work as a writer, educator, and curator.

Conducted by Sezin Romi from Salt, the interview offers a multifaceted perspective on institutional practices in context. It traces the histories of the Istanbul Contemporary Art Project, Platform Garanti Contemporary Art Center, and Salt—where Kortun served as founding director. Drawing on Kortun’s 2017 talk, Questions on Institutions, delivered at Salt upon his departure as Director of Research and Programs, the publication opens up a discussion on the past, present, and future of cultural institutions and their relationship to the public.