Alexandra Steinacker-Clark poses the question of why people collect…Are they acquiring works with the dream of catching the next Warhol or Koons before the market boom, or are they the type of collector that chooses with a motivation of more personal nature?

This season, several VOLTA exhibitors present thought-provoking exhibitions that look to the future. Imagining new possibilities, challenging perceptions, and reshaping how we see the world to come, these presentations reflect the forward-facing vision of our gallerists. From poetic reflections on memory to surreal carnivals and urgent meditations on tomorrow, these shows spotlight artists and galleries driving the conversation ahead.

Ahead of 1-54’s London edition, Basel-based curator Keabetswe Kekana Boccomino shares her selection of contemporary African art galleries and artists to look out for. 1-54 has long been a destination for new perspectives, a spirit also central to VOLTA, where some of these voices have been part of past editions.

At VOLTA, we are committed to fostering a fair that not only champions contemporary art but also reflects the diverse voices, expertise, and perspectives shaping today’s cultural landscape. That’s why we’re delighted to welcome two new members to our Advisory Board: Dr. Florian Treu and Tallulah Patricia Bär.

The line between craft and contemporary art has never felt more connected. As collectors and curators increasingly embrace the material rigour and narrative depth of ceramics, textiles, and woodwork, craft has firmly re-entered the global art dialogue. 
 

The 20th edition of VOLTA Basel, closed its doors with twice as many visitors than the year before and reports of solid and considered sales, reflective of the discerning market. With collectors visiting from across the globe and a complimentary day for Basel residents as part of the fair’s 20th anniversary celebrations, VOLTA’s relocation to a bigger, central venue just 2 minutes from Art Basel has been highly praised.

With over 70 galleries from 29 countries exhibiting at VOLTA Basel, there is so much to explore this year. To help you plan your visit, we have curated a series of suggested routes to navigate your VOLTA experience. From Environmentalism, to the use of traditional craft techniques, these stops offer a focused path through the fair’s most compelling conversations.

To celebrate VOLTA's 20th Anniversary in its founding city of Basel, VOLTA's Amplify column writer, Alexandra Steinacker-Clark caught up with two of the most influential people, past and present, on the VOLTA team: Amanda Coulson, co-founder of VOLTA and previous artistic director for 16 years, and the current artistic director of the fair, Lee Cavaliere.

With just two weeks until Basel Art Week, one of the most significant periods in the art calendar attracting collectors, gallerists, curators, and artists around the world, Alexandra has collated a guide of what to do and discover in Basel.

Celebrating two decades of championing emerging artistic voices, VOLTA Basel 2025 presents a lineup of discussions and initiatives exploring geopolitical shifts, gender equity, and a focus on the evolving ecosystem of the emerging art market. 

In preparation for her first visit to Basel, Alexandra has explored the VOLTA Basel Exhibitor List, and suggested some overarching themes and categories Amplify readers can use as a guideline for discovery.

Win the ultimate stay for two at Grand Hotel Les Trois Rois and a luxury package to pamper yourself in VOLTAs founding city of Basel. 

This milestone edition welcomes 70 galleries from 28 countries, offering visitors and collectors an experience centred on artistic diversity, innovation, and global perspectives.

Read the full column for insights on collecting from Oliwia Siem, an art collector and filmmaker based in London; Gigi Sürel, founder and creator of Teaspoon Projects; and Basel based founder of WACollection, Leopold Steinberg.

VOLTA Basel announces programme highlights and a preview of exhibitors for its 20th Anniversary edition.

For the second edition of Amplify, Alexandra Steinacker-Clark investigates the current landscape for women working in the arts, both as artists, and on the professional career front ahead of International Women’s Day.

Welcome to Amplify, a new, monthly column produced by VOLTA and written by art historian, writer, curator, and podcaster, Alexandra Steinacker-Clark.

As we approach 2025, VOLTA shares its Future Forecast and the trends that will continue to shape the direction of the art market next year and beyond.

Taking place from June 19-22 and in celebration of its 20th Anniversary, VOLTA Basel announces its forthcoming June 2025 edition with a move to a new venue, Basel’s Congress Center, Messeplatz, in the heart of Art Week.

From Venice, to London, to New York, our VOLTA galleries have been organizing an array of exhibitions to sustain your art appetite. Read our curated list of 5 exhibitions to visit this Fall season.