Baloise Prize for Emerging Artists at Art Basel Quietly Cancelled

The Baloise Art Prize, which has been recognizing two emerging artists with SFr30,000 ($37,000) since 1999, has been discontinued, with dealers receiving notice just days ahead of the 2025 fair. This award had previously contributed artworks to significant European museums. Following a $10.8bn merger with Helvetia last year, Baloise aims to achieve annual savings of SFr350m and reduce its workforce by 2,600 positions. A representative indicated that the partnership has shifted its emphasis towards hospitality. While Art Basel did not address the possibility of reviving the prize, it highlighted other programs, such as the MGM Discoveries Prize and an emerging artist category at the Art Basel Awards, which includes nominees like Aziza Kadyri and Tiffany Sia. Past recipients feature Ryan Gander, along with last year's winners Rhea Dillon and Joyce Joumaa.