Ümit Mesci, a trained architect and architectural historian, is curator at Istanbul Modern. Mesci worked for the Istanbul Design Biennial and the Pavilion of Türkiye at la Biennale di Venezia (for Istanbul Foundation for Culture and Arts – IKSV) between 2011-2016, where he developed his research skills, gained practical experience, and contributed to the development of collaborations and partnerships with various institutions and organizations. Since he became part of the Istanbul Modern curatorial team in 2017, he has been focusing on architecture and design along with modern and contemporary art.