Deutsche Bank's Art Collection: An Interview with Franziska Kunz
Franziska Kunz, the Deputy Global Head of Art at Deutsche Bank, highlights the institution's extensive corporate art collection, which encompasses thousands of pieces across 900 sites. Established over three decades by Friedhelm Hütte, the collection primarily features contemporary drawings and photographs, with a strong emphasis on works on paper. Originally focused on post-war German artists, it has expanded internationally since the 1990s, actively seeking emerging talent from Africa, Latin America, and Asia. Employees are encouraged to choose artworks for their workspaces and join guided tours. In April 2016, the bank unified its cultural initiatives under the ACS division. Since 2004, the collection has partnered with Tate Modern and sponsors the Frieze Art Fair London. The "Artist of the Year" award, initiated in 2010, includes a solo exhibition, with Basim Magdy and Kemang Wa Lehulere recognized as winners in 2017.
Key facts
- Deutsche Bank's collection spans 900 locations worldwide.
- Collection built over 30 years by Friedhelm Hütte.
- Focus on contemporary drawings and photographs.
- Collection internationalized since the 1990s.
- Employees can choose artworks for their offices.
- ACS division created in April 2016.
- Main sponsor of Frieze Art Fair London since 2004.
- Artist of the Year award includes a KunstHalle exhibition.
- 2017 winner: Basim Magdy; selected artist: Kemang Wa Lehulere.
- Works with experts Okwui Enwezor and Victoria Noorthoorn.
Entities
Artists
- Franziska Kunz
- Friedhelm Hütte
- Basim Magdy
- Kemang Wa Lehulere
- Okwui Enwezor
- Victoria Noorthoorn
- Josef Albers
- Nedko Solakov
Institutions
- Deutsche Bank
- ACS (Art-Culture-Sport)
- Tate Modern
- Jewish Museum
- Frieze Art Fair
- Deutsche Bank KunstHalle
- Artribune
Locations
- Frankfurt
- Germany
- Berlin
- London
- United Kingdom
- New York
- United States
- Buenos Aires
- Argentina
- Africa
- Latin America
- Asia