In a move that marks a new chapter for the international art calendar, Art Basel has introduced its first global awards programme, honouring 36 recipients from across the contemporary art ecosystem during a ceremony held on 19 June in Basel, Switzerland.
The inaugural Art Basel Awards, presented in partnership with BOSS, were conferred at the historic Rathaus Basel, with a reception following at Kunstmuseum Basel. The event coincided with the 55th edition of the fair, drawing artists, curators, collectors and cultural figures from across the world. Among those attending were gallerists from Paris, London and Brussels, as well as representatives from leading institutions such as the Fondation Cartier and the Fondation Beyeler.
The awards were designed to recognise artistic and institutional contributions that cut across disciplines, from visual art and curatorial practice to design, media and publishing. Recipients were selected by an international jury, including Elena Filipovic of Kunstmuseum Basel and Hans Ulrich Obrist of the Serpentine in London. Also present was Clément Delépine, Director of Art Basel Paris, reflecting the growing role of the French capital within the organisation’s wider programme.
Adding a further French dimension, the distinctive Medalist Pins awarded to recipients were created by Paris-based jeweller Lorette Colé Duprat. Her contribution subtly placed French craftsmanship at the centre of an otherwise global event.
Among those recognised were artists Cecilia Vicuña, Nairy Baghramian and Cao Fei, as well as institutions such as Jameel Arts Centre and RAW Material Company. French curator Sandra Terdjman, known for her work on cross-cultural art initiatives, was honoured in the Allies category. Media contributors included Barbara Casavecchia and the editorial team behind The Journal of Curatorial Studies.
The evening also saw the announcement of the BOSS Award for Outstanding Achievement, which includes a $100,000 grant split between a cause chosen by the winning artist and a new commission developed in collaboration with BOSS. The award seeks to highlight work at the intersection of artistic expression, technology, social dialogue and identity.
A second initiative was also launched: the Koyo Kouoh Fellowship, named in honour of the late curator and founding juror of the awards. The fellowship will support emerging African art professionals over the next three years, including a fully funded development programme based in Basel.
The programme concludes with the Art Basel Awards Summit on 20 June, a public-facing event that brings together artists, jurors and institutional leaders for a series of talks and discussions. It is being held in collaboration with the Canton of Basel-Stadt.
As Art Basel continues to expand its international footprint, including its Paris edition at the Grand Palais, the new awards underline the fair’s evolving role not only as a marketplace but also as a cultural institution in its own right. For French audiences and institutions, the ceremony in Basel suggests new possibilities for influence, exchange and recognition on a global stage.
