Swiss Post’s commitment to art
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Swiss Post has been promoting and collecting contemporary art since 1924. Today, the collection comprises some 400 works. However, Swiss Post’s commitment to art stretches far beyond purchasing artwork. Swiss Post plays a leading role in the field of corporate art collections and in the promotion of art and culture. The three pillars established in 2020 cover the art collection, art in architecture and Swiss Post’s partnership with “Art in the periphery” events.
Swiss Post’s commitment to art offers a diverse platform for artistic work in Switzerland. It aims to address and communicate issues and concerns that are of equal importance to Swiss society and Swiss Post.
Swiss Post, with the help of Swiss art, is creating space for and promoting dialogue in society. When selecting new artwork for the collection, special care is taken to ensure that it addresses topics and concerns that also engage Swiss society at large. Right now, and indeed in the future, these include topics such as diversity, social justice, concern for natural resources, sustainability and climate issues, and addressing our shared history. For Swiss Post, it is important that the art collection reflects the reality in our country and reflects on it with precise works of content. In this way, the art is not only appreciated in isolation, but is seen as a means to represent and better understand our time and its challenges in a variety of ways.
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Art collection
Swiss Post’s commitment
The Art department, the Art Commission and external consultants are responsible for purchasing selected contemporary works of art. One of the purchasing criteria is a connection to Switzerland and to socially relevant issues.
The aim of the collection is to address current issues that are relevant to both Swiss Post and the Swiss population and to present them in exhibitions throughout the country. By committing to initiatives such as purchasing works of art, Swiss Post fulfils its social responsibility and makes a lasting contribution to promoting the Swiss art scene.
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Art in architecture
Swiss Post’s commitment
After the Second World War, the Swiss Confederation decreed that a percentage of public building construction costs should be invested in art in architecture projects. This gave rise to artworks in and on Swiss Post buildings throughout Switzerland. By 2019, around 180 projects had come into being, some 75 of which are still in Swiss Post’s possession and continue to enhance public areas in the most stunning of ways.
This portfolio tells the history of Switzerland from an artistic standpoint. Swiss Post perpetuates this initiative by commissioning more art in architecture projects in appropriate construction projects. The aim is to keep the traditional commitment alive, but also to create space for unique uses and make a considerable contribution to the living environment of our population. (Josiane Imhasly)
Image: Installation “In the sandalwood forest there are no ordinary trees”, 2015 by Mai-Thu Perret for the Montbrillant post office building, Geneva. Picture: Ralph Feiner
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Art in the periphery
Swiss Post’s commitment
Swiss Post’s partnership with art in the periphery events is an ideal addition to its traditional commitment, while also marking a new milestone for corporate art collections and the Swiss tradition of promoting art. Swiss Post acts as a federating and supporting partner which provides its own postal services.
Art in the periphery is a series of temporary, curated non-profit art events held outside urban hubs. Artists are invited to engage with the relevant locations and create site-specific works of art. This gives remote locations stimulating added value, while offering city dwellers the chance to discover the local landscape and opening new perspectives to the local population. The events are free of charge to enter and can be visited at almost any time, day or night, with children, dogs or even your bike.
Image: Lita Albuquerque, “Transparent Earth”, 2018, Art Safiental 2018. Picture: Ueli Alder
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Art projects and news
Do you want to make sure you don’t miss a thing and are always up to date? You can find all art projects and news here.
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Video series – Experience art
Swiss Post has countless works of art recounting fascinating stories. In our video series, we take you on a short art journey – and get up close with the camera.
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Publication about the art collection
To mark the 100th anniversary of its commitment to art, Swiss Post is presenting a book for the first time that offers the general public an insight into that commitment and into its collection in particular. The book features 100 artists, symbolizing 100 years of art promotion. Particular emphasis is placed on ten young artists under the age of 40, who are presented with portrait photos, biographies and descriptions of their works and provide insights into their worlds and works in short handwritten and illustrated interviews.
Contact
Our address
Art Department
Wankdorfallee 4
3030 Bern
Switzerland
Write to us
The Art department actively approaches artists. Portfolio submissions are neither processed nor returned. Thank you for your understanding.