Samuel Leuenberger has been named the new curator for Art Basel’s Parcours sector. Parcours takes place in the city’s historic old town and includes site specific sculptures, interventions, and performances.

Leuenberger’s resume spans the breadth of the art world, having spent time with commercial galleries, institutions, and non-profit organizations.

The Basel-born independent curator has run the not-for-profit SALTS exhibition space in Birsfelden, Switzerland since 2009, which promotes emerging Swiss and international artists.

Ugo Rondinone The Gracious (2015) at this year’s Parcours
Photo: Gladstone Gallery (New York, Brussels) and Galerie Eva Presenhuber (Zurich) via Art Basel

He also worked at Stephen Friedman Gallery and the Kunsthalle Zürich. In 2013, he co-curated the Swiss Arts Council’s presentation “Pro Helvetia.”

In 2014, Leuenberger evidently left a lasting impression as associate curator of “14 Rooms,” a major exhibition by the Foundation Beyeler in association with Art Basel.

“Having followed the program of Parcours over the last few years, I am excited to continue developing this amazing project of presenting art in public spaces,” Leuenberger said in a statement.

Leuenberger served as an associate curator for the successful 14 Rooms exhibition at Art Basel this year
Photo: MCH Messe Schweiz (Basel) AG

“Growing up in Basel and working internationally, I look forward to activating the historical centre of the city as a place where contemporary art is encountered by a broader public. “

Art Basel Director Marc Spiegler added “We are delighted to have Samuel Leuenberger as the third Parcours curator. Having grown up in Basel, Samuel is very familiar with the city and highly active in its cultural scene.”

Leuenberger succeeds Florence Derieux and will take up his role for the fair’s 2016 edition.