Global Corporate Collections will be presented on June 17th, in Art Basel
Photo: Deutsche Standards EDITIONEN

Many of the world’s finest artworks are owned and managed by corporations. However, these beautiful corporate art collections are seldom publicly accessible, kept behind heavy mahogany office doors, or in ironclad safes.

Global Corporate Collections, a new 700 page publication by Deutsche Standard EDITIONEN, sheds light, for the first time, onto 80 corporate collections considered to be among the best in the world.

Following the exclusive project launch gala, which took place at Art Basel Miami Beach last December (see Which Corporations Have the Best Art Collections?), AXA ART announced yesterday that Global Corporate Collections will finally be unveiled in its VIP Lounge at Art Basel in Basel, on June 17.

The collections featured in the book were selected by a panel of experts consisting of AXA ART’s Global CEO, Kai Kuklinski, Marina Sitnina, executive vice-president of art finance at Gazprombank Group, and Dr. Philipp Herzog von Württemberg, chairman of Sotheby’s Europe.

Illustrated with detailed photographs, and compiling essays by renowned art personalities, the publication promises to provide “unparalleled insights” into the art patronage of several multi-national corporations from over 25 countries.

Crucially, research has suggested that artworks in the workplace contribute to creativity and intellectual stimulation. Many corporations also invest in the arts to shape brand image and attract talented recruits.

“Many companies have built impressive collections over the years, some of great historical importance,” said Kuklinski in a statement. “With art an intrinsic part of our business activities and corporate culture, AXA ART is proud to be counted among this line-up of international companies which support art, and to play a role in bringing attention to the history and trends in corporate collecting,” he added.

Global Corporate Collections is supported by AXA ART Insurance, Art Finance (Gazprombank Group), and Sotheby’s.