Volta Basel marks its 20th anniversary edition from 19 – 22 June (VIP Collectors Preview, 18 June), at its new venue Hall 4.U, Messeplatz 21. The milestone edition features over 70 galleries from 29 countries. The diverse Engage + Emerge programme underscores Volta's enduring commitment to showcasing emerging and underrepresented artists on a global stage. The fair's programming delves into pressing themes shaping the contemporary and emerging art landscape: the rise of women in the art market, the impact of geopolitics on the cultural landscape, and the dynamics of local, national, and international arts ecosystems.

Engage. Volta talks programme. In the talks area

Thursday, June 19. 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM. The geopolitics of the art market, curated and moderated by Tallulah Patricia Bär

Cultural strategist and AfroSwissters founder Tallulah Patricia Bär leads a discussion on how shifting global power structures are redefining cultural capital and artistic value. Speakers include Adriano Figure 1 Warin Lab Contemporary at Volta Basel 2024. Image by Nicholas Winter Photography Picinati di Torcello, Global Art and Finance at Deloitte; Lee Cavaliere, Artistic Director, Volta and Julia Lechbiska, Founder of Lechbinska Gallery.

Thursday, June 19. 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM. Women on the rise: a gendered power shift? Moderated by Alexandra Steinacker-Clark

Exploring the increasing prominence of women in the art world, this panel examines whether gender equity is becoming a reality for artists and gallerists. Speakers include Chus Martínez, Head of the Institute Art Gender Nature, FHNW Academy of Art and Design, Marie Isabelle Poiere Troyano, Artist and Loewe Craft Prize Shortlisted artist, Kimia Nakhaei, International Manager of Mojdeh Gallery, Iran.

Switzerland in Focus

Friday, June 20. Liebs Basel, Viele Dangg Volta. 11:00AM – 4:00PM

Basel residents are invited to enjoy a complimentary day at Volta on Friday 20th June. As a gesture of appreciation for the city's long-standing support of the fair - Volta says thank you. This special initiative invites the local community to explore and collect a diverse range of contemporary art from around the world, discover local and international galleries, and connect with artists and curators.

Friday, June 20. Emerge. 5:00PM – 9:00PM

An evening that deep dives into the emerging arts ecosystem in Basel, Switzerland and beyond. In partnership with the magazine PROZ - Kultur im Raum Basel.

From local to global – How artists and galleries break through. 6:00PM – 7:00PM

This evening panel discusses the pathways through which artists and galleries transition from local recognition to international acclaim, highlighting the support systems necessary for such growth. Moderated by curator and art historian Carrie Scott. Speakers include Keabetswe Boccomino, Curator of Afrinova; Katharina Brandl, Head of Visual Arts at Pro Helvetia; Lee Cavaliere, Artistic Director, VOLTA and Stevenson Dunn Jr., Co-Founder of The Bishop Gallery.