Supporting Art and Culture: The Julius Baer Art Collection
Supporting art and music has been integral to Bank Julius Baer’s philosophy for decades. An interest in the visual art dates back to the early 1930s, when the Baer family began its private art collection. Added to this, two female members of the Baer family pursued artistic careers. As a result, the family maintained an intensive contact with the art scene in Zurich, Paris and New York.
In the early 1980s, the Bank founded its corporate art collection. The purpose was, and still is, to support artists who, at the time of a first purchase, are not yet firmly established, but clearly show great potential. Nearly two decades later, Julius Baer started to sponsor concert halls, festivals and museums based on its heritage.
The Julius Baer art collection was built on a passion for the arts.
The strategy is to keep an eye on young artists who have gained some interest and who time and again demonstrate their creativity.
The Collection
Encompassing over 5,000 works spanning a wide array of media, the Julius Baer art collection works to promote the visual arts in Switzerland, specialising in works by contemporary artists of Swiss nationality or those who live and work in Switzerland. In line with Julius Baer’s entrepreneurial and innovative spirit, it focuses on supporting up-and-coming artists, following them throughout their careers, to develop an exciting and diverse collection. The intention of the art committee is to identify outstanding artistic talent. Artworks are not acquired for the sake of investment but rather – and in line with the roots of the collection – with the philanthropic intention to support artists. By purchasing works at an early stage of an artist’s career, the art committee gives them reassurance when they need it most.
Today – after almost fourty years of strategic acquisitions – the collection features works by some of Switzerland’s most important contemporary artists, including John Armleder, Silvia Bächli, Lutz & Guggisberg, Sylvie Fleury, Christian Marclay, Markus Raetz, Ugo Rondinone, and Roman Signer.
Find out more about Julius Baer Art Collection
