The EMERGE + ENGAGE talks programme creates a space for conversations to unfold in real time and demonstrate what it means to collect, create, and connect with intention. Access to the talks is complimentary with any ticket type.

Thursday 18 June, 12PM​
Everywhen in Practice: Representing Contemporary Aboriginal Art Across Time, Place and Platform​
Speakers: 
Adam Knight, Founder, Adam Knight Fine Art; Naomi Hobson, Artist, represented by Rebecca Hossack Gallery; Jasmine Coe, Founder, Coe Gallery; Onome Ekeh, FHNW, Institute of Gender, Art and Nature
Moderator:
Tamsin Hong, Curator, Serpentine

Thursday 18 June, 2PM
Shifting Grounds: Geopolitics and the Evolving Global Market
Speakers:
Lee Cavaliere, Artistic Director, VOLTA; Emilia de Stasio, Founder, Artscapy; Anders Petterson, Founder & CEO, ArtTac; Adriano Picinati di Torcello, Director, Global Art & Finance, Deloitte.
Moderator: Tallulah Bär, Cultural Strategist, Afroswissters

Tours will be led by Dr. Gal Harmat, senior researcher at Swisspeace and will be an intriguing art-led discourse on peace building, geopolitics and cultural identity. The group will visit over 20 galleries on the fair floor.​​

Friday 19 June, Saturday 20 June, 12pm​
Swisspeace will provide a tour on Friday 19 June, 12pm and Saturday 20 June, 12pm. Tickets available via our ticket shop as an 'Add-On' option CHF 25.​

Sunday 21 June, 12pm​
A curated tour with VOLTAs Artistic Director, Lee Cavaliere of the fair highlights. Tickets available via our ticket shop as an 'Add-On' option CHF 25.​

Explore the fair to the backdrop of DJ Alma Negra. There'll be artists present in room for Frische! Friday so join us to explore exception emerging talent and speak directly to discover the inspiration behind the work. Complimentary cocktails will be served by Ale & Bread on a first come, first served basis.

Friday 19 June, 5 – 8PM  ​

VOLTA introduces The 5,000 Edit: a curated selection of artworks priced at and under CHF 5,000. The 5,000 Edit is designed as an entry point to new collectors, while also supporting artists at a crucial stage in their practice. Bringing together over 30 galleries, the diverse selection of works is available to view and purchase online. Collectors can discover the works in person through a dedicated display and in-booth markers highlighting participating galleries.

Artwork: Marcos Navarro Bruja, 2025, Oil on Linen, 130 x 160. Courtesy Chong Gallery

Friday 18 - Sunday 21 June, 2 - 4PM

VOLTA’s love letter to Basel continues. In partnership with This is Basel, the 2026 edition of VOLTA will again pay tribute to the fair’s founding city. Basel residents are invited to experience VOLTA with complimentary access from 19 - 21 June, 2 - 4PM, as a gesture of appreciation for the city's long-standing support of the fair. 

During these hours experience artist Sori Choi, represented by Art in Dongsan (South Korea), who will perform a short percussion-based action connected to the artist’s working process of synesthesia. In collaboration with Theater Basel, a performance of Dark Matter will take place. Performed by a duet, the performance provides a multifaceted insight into the unique world of Marco Goecke and condenses over 25 years of his work into a compact, impressive experience. 

Explore VOLTA’s Curatorial highlights, from spotlighting experimental curatorial practices from emerging galleries in new section Frische!; encouraging cross-cultural dialogue through a dedication Pavilion Everywhen: Contemporary Aboriginal Art; and celebrating the presence of 15 Swiss galleries. VOLTA presents collectors with the opportunity to discover and connect with international artists and their stories.

Discover the 2026 Curatorial Highlights here.

Artwork: FU-Hau Shiuan, In the Palm of One’s Hand, 2025, oil on canvas, 72 x 90cm. Courtesy Donna Art