Art Basel and UBS: Celebrating 30 years of partnership
In a new film, we reflect on some of the extraordinary moments of our long-term collaboration with Art Basel
This year marks the 30th anniversary of our partnership with Art Basel. From introducing new and ground-breaking initiatives to expanding into new regions across the world, in this film we reflect on some important milestones of our collaboration so far.
Throughout the film, you will also hear from those at the forefront of our relationship discuss its wide-reaching impact, providing an important platform for artists and contemporary art, and creating a vital moment of connection with our clients around the world.
“Many things at Art Basel have only been possible thanks to the close partnership between Art Basel and UBS. What really unifies both organizations is the mutual respect, the willingness to collaborate and cooperate, and the passion for art and artists,” said Maike Cruse, Director of Art Basel, Basel.
Since launching the first Video Art Prize awarded to Pipilotti Rist and Enrique Fontanilles in 1994, the partnership has grown to introduce an exciting new sector, notably the beloved Unlimited sector in Basel in 2000, as well as expanding into new regions together.
“Basel, as the first art fair, wanted to branch out and make a sister event in the United States, in Miami and later in Hong Kong. UBS was there from the beginning,” said Sam Keller, Director of Fondation Beyeler.
Beyond the fair, UBS and Art Basel have jointly contributed to conversations around the art market since 2017, through the development of The Art Basel and UBS Global Art Market Report and The Survey of Global Collecting authored by cultural economist Dr. Clare McAndrew. These reports provide sector-leading insight and intelligence, tracking trends in the art market and delving deeper into the craft of collecting.
The partnership reflects the importance of art to UBS and our long-term commitment to supporting contemporary art and artists. We are proud to present works from the UBS Art Collection at the fair, providing an international stage for some of the leading artists of our time.
'Art Basel is an incredible platform' said Claudia Comte, Artist.
As one of the most important art events in the world, Art Basel plays a vital role in connecting the art world to a global community of artists, curators, collectors and institutions in one place.
“The impact of our partnership with Art Basel is really significant. It's a crucial relationship platform where we get to meet with clients and talk about their passion,” said John McDonald, Group Chief Marketing Officer and Head of Brand Management at UBS.
In celebration of this anniversary, UBS and Art Basel will co-present 'When the sun goes away we paint the sky', a special public co-commission by Petrit Halilaj. Installed on the façade of the former Hotel Merian in Basel, the artwork will light up the skyline with a constellation of stars dancing through the sky and reflecting on the surface of the Rhein.
Originally commissioned as a public artwork developed for Manifesta 14 in Pristina, Kosovo, the artwork takes its title from an essay (“Kur dielli të ikë, do ta pikturoj qiellin”) written by 12-year-old Prishtina resident Njomza Vitia in 2014, conveying her hope for a brighter future.
In bringing this work to Basel, the artist has simultaneously remounted and reconfigured some of the original stars from Pristina, adding to them an ever-growing number of new stars and constellations – including some of those on the Merian. After Pristina, new constellations of stars emerged around the world, from Mexico to Italy, and now Switzerland – lighting up the sky as a symbol of hope and reconciliation wherever they go.
Through this work, the artist has crafted a network of constellations that unite us all under the same sky. The stars flash on and off in shifting patterns when the sun goes down, producing a captivating dance of light.
This co-commission reflects UBS’ ongoing relationship with Halilaj. His work 'Very volcanic over this green feather (blue bird)', (2021) is part of the UBS Art Collection, and UBS is proud to have supported the artist at Art Basel in 2023, showcasing this work at the UBS Art Studio—along with a series of creative workshops that were designed with the artist specifically for this occasion.
To further accentuate this celebration, UBS and Art Basel co-hosted a public talk with Petrit Halilaj in conversation with curator and writer Catherine Nichols at The Merian. During the discussion, they explored this exciting anniversary project and Petrit's dedication to his craft.
The artwork 'When the sun goes away we paint the sky', by Petrit Halilaj will remain on display until 8th January 2024.
