Istanbul Modern's annual Gala Modern fundraising auction raised ₺29.6 million (over $693,000) through the sale of 12 artworks, with Azade Köker's specially created collage 'Orchestra' achieving the top price of ₺6 million (over $140,500). The event, held at the museum during a private gala, featured a Support Auction with contributions from 13 Turkish and international artists, drawing collectors, patrons, and cultural figures including Culture and Tourism Minister Mehmet Nuri Ersoy.
The record-breaking result underscores the growing international reach of Istanbul Modern's educational mission, as board chair Oya Eczacıbaşı highlighted the gala's evolution into a global platform. Proceeds directly fund the museum's learning programs that connect hundreds of thousands of children and young people with contemporary art through exhibitions, workshops, and inclusive activities, particularly for those in special education groups. The strong bidding for Köker's work, which depicts female orchestra members as the driving force of a celebratory evening, reflects the art world's increasing support for youth art education initiatives.