Visitors are greeted at the entrance of the new building, designed by Herzog & de Meuron, by a striking light installation by American artist James Turrell. The path then leads to the right into the exhibition space. Loch explains, «It is a typical gallery space, a White Cube, which we didn't have before. The window to the city allows us to draw attention to the art and really offer something to society.»

Driving Force Behind the Collection

For 23 years, Loch has been the heart of the Helvetia Art Collection. «Our collection should not just remain an internal treasure but be accessible to everyone,» explains the curator. She has continuously developed the collection and made a significant contribution to the promotion of contemporary Swiss art. Her passion and dedication are evident in every detail of the current exhibition, which she co-conceived with external curator Marlene Bürgi.

Exhibition view «Momentum,» Helvetia Art Foyer (Image: Viktor Kolibàl)

More Public Access

The exhibition space is open to the public on Thursdays from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM, with free admission. A guide is on site to bring the artworks closer to the visitors. Loch hopes that monthly public tours will eventually be established: «An exhibition like this also needs a good amount of mediation.» Previously, the tours of the collection were semi-private, for cultural clubs and clients. Today, interested visitors can explore the Art Foyer and discover the works every Thursday.

«The Economy Must Support the Arts»

The Helvetia Art Collection, one of the oldest corporate art collections in Switzerland, was founded in 1943. The then-director Hans Theler laid the foundation with a focus on contemporary Swiss art. «Theler believed that the economy must support the arts – a thought we still continue today,» emphasizes Loch.

The telephone as a connection to home. Work by Bisso Yann Stéphane (Cameroon), «Nature morte à l'escargophone,» 2023 (Image: finews.art)

First Step of an Art Career

An important aspect of the collection is the promotion of young artists. The Helvetia Art Prize has been awarded for 20 years, launching the careers of numerous artists. «We are now celebrating the 20th anniversary, and I am incredibly pleased to have helped establish this prize,» says Loch. The prize includes an amount of 15'000 francs and a solo presentation at the Basel art fair «Liste» the following year.

Platform for Young Art

The art prize supports the crucial step from student to professional artist. «There was no prize for young, completely unknown artists at the beginning of their careers,» explains Loch. Exhibition opportunities and networking are crucial for the success of young talents – both of which the art prize provides.

Exhibition view Helvetia Art Foyer, in the background the triptych by Andriu Deplazes, 2016 (Image: Viktor Kolibàl)

A Leap Forward

A good example is artist Andriu Deplazes, whose triptych is exhibited in the current show at the Art Foyer. «He has had many solo exhibitions internationally in a short time and is now represented by Galerie Kilchmann,» says the curator. The collection also places value on acquiring work groups to support artists throughout their careers and build a repertoire of art.

Loch takes particular pride in possessing the Miriam Cahn work group, which spans from the 1980s to the present.

Something beautiful grows from a wound. Work by Jonas Van Holanda, «Exambiguation,» 2023 (Image: finews.art)

Challenges in New Spaces

The move also brings challenges. The presentation space is limited, which Loch sees as the biggest, but not insurmountable, challenge: «We now have over 2'500 artworks, mostly two-dimensional, needing walls.» Many corporate collections worldwide face similar problems. «How do we integrate art into modern work environments?»

External Perspectives

The Helvetia Art Collection has an annual budget for acquiring new works. Loch, who is also responsible for the art commission, has recently assembled a new commission to reflect current discourse in the art world. «It is important that external experts also contribute their views to ensure our collection remains diverse and relevant.»

Current Exhibition: Momentum

Since the end of May, the first exhibition at the new location has been on view: «Momentum: Helvetia Art Prize 2004-2024.» It features works by recipients of the Helvetia Art Prize from 2004 to 2024, including creations by artists such as Kathrin Affentranger, Josse Bailly, Bisso Yann Stéphane, Andriu Deplazes, Florian Germann, Luc Mattenberger, Anita Muçolli, Gina Proenza, STELLA and many others.

This exhibition combines works already in the collection with newer pieces, offering a comprehensive overview of two decades of supporting young Swiss art.

The Helvetia Art Collection was founded in 1943 by Hans Theler, the director of National Insurance. His goal was to present original artworks to employees daily and to commit the economy to support culture. The focus was on contemporary Swiss art. Until the 1970s, Hans Theler made the purchasing decisions, after which his son René Theler took over. For the past 20 years, a committee has been responsible for this task, with personal interests still playing a role. In 2014, the collections of Nationale Suisse and Helvetia merged to form the current Helvetia Art Collection.