Introducing...The Istanbulist
And why you should subscribe
Hi there,
Welcome to The Istanbulist, a newsletter about all things art, design and travel in Istanbul & beyond curated by me, Lucy Scovell. I’m absolutely thrilled by the response so far and I haven’t even published the first issue (that’s coming in January 2023).
Ahead of the launch, I wanted to let you know why I’ve decided to start this newsletter channel and what you’ll get in your inbox as a subscriber. If you haven’t already, you can subscribe by hitting the button below. (Yes, it’s free.)
Why I’m launching The Istanbulist
I’ve written about all things art, design and travel for nearly a decade now and in 2021 I moved from London to Istanbul. Not surprisingly, the Istanbul-related DMs came flooding in: what’s it like being freelance, a woman, a non-Turkish speaker in such a vibrant but dizzying city? Which galleries, artists, museums should I see when I come and visit? Do you have any recs for bars, hotels, restaurants? You name it, I’ve had it.
Initially, I was a little overwhelmed by everything that this incredible city has to offer. I was also adjusting to my new freelance life in Turkey, while battling all of the admin that comes with moving abroad. But with a year’s experience under my belt, I feel ready to share the inside track. So here goes…
What is The Istanbulist
A Substack newsletter channel about all things art, design and travel in Istanbul & beyond. Through newsletters featuring curated edits, Q&As, artist studio visits, feature articles and so on, I hope to introduce you to the people, places and things that make Istanbul such a thriving centre of contemporary arts.
Why subscribe
You’ll receive semi-regular newsletters delivered straight to your inbox with art, design and travel features with a Turkish twist. Think hotels to book now, design-led restaurants to note down and emerging Turkish artists to invest in. The good news? Given nearly everything is bookable, browsable or buyable online, there’s something for you to enjoy wherever you are!
You will also receive a monthly edit — Lucy Loves — featuring the news, shows, exhibitions and artsy hotspots that I’m excited about in both Istanbul and London. I’ll always have one foot in my hometown as I return there for work so often.
And yes, it’s all free
The Istanbulist is currently free to receive and read. So if you like what you see, please support the newsletter (and me) by subscribing below and sharing with your friends. Thank you so much for your support — it really does mean the world to me.
Oh, one more thing…
Please let me know what you’d like to see on The Istanbulist in 2023. DM me on Instagram or send me an email at lucy.scovell@googlemail.com. You can also leave a comment by clicking on the button below. Press releases, exhibition news, product launches, commissions, collaboration enquiries and so on can also be sent to lucy.scovell@googlemail.com.
I hope you enjoy this rollercoaster ride. Lucy xx
On Board and Buckling up
Hugest congratulations! Can't wait to watch you soar!