Turkey's big banks and philanthropic trusts vie with each other to be seen as the greatest sponsor of the arts. İstiklal is a showcase for their generosity, and with this venue Akbank joins SALT Beyoğlu and ARTER in offering a showcase for the city's thriving arts scene. It has an art gallery, performance hall, dance studio, music-listening studio and arts library.
The centre is the venue for the Akbank-sponsored İstanbul Jazz and Short FIlm Festivals as well as for performances by the Akbank Chamber Orchestra.
