Beschaffung als stilles Fundament zeitgenössischer Kunstsammlungen
The Work We Place. Procuring With Purpose
In the world of contemporary art, procurement rarely gets the attention it deserves. It’s not visible on opening night. It doesn’t speak loudly in photographs. Yet, it is the foundation upon which meaningful collections are built. Whether for private collectors, hotel developers, or architects shaping cultural spaces, the act of placing a work is preceded by a long, careful process, one that demands not only connoisseurship, but structure, clarity, and trust.
The Invisible Architecture of Procurement
Procurement for us, is the structural core that holds every project together. While curating may define the conceptual and aesthetic framework of a collection, it is procurement that ensures the vision becomes reality, legally, logistically, and materially. Whether sourced from a fair, commissioned directly from an artist, or acquired through a gallery, each work must arrive not only intact, but prepared to live in a space with meaning and longevity.
This is not administrative work. It is architectural. We consider the lifecycle of the artwork, where it will reside, who will experience it, how it will age, and what it contributes to the overall narrative. Procurement allows us to anticipate those questions in advance and structure the acquisition process accordingly.
In every project, we operate as a bridge between concept and execution. We maintain trusted relationships with galleries, institutions, and artists, not just to source the right work, but to support it at every stage of the journey, from the first inquiry to final installation.
This process isn’t administrative. It’s architectural. It considers the future of a work before it enters a space. Who will live with it? What does it need to endure? What does it say when it stands alone and when it sits beside others?
Procurement is where the vision begins to hold. It moves from abstract intent to executable steps.
Art Fairs Are Fast. We Move Differently.
Art fairs compress thousands of decisions into a few days. They’re intense, often overwhelming, and designed to be fast. But we move differently.
When procuring for a client, we come with context. We know the spatial language of the project. We know the emotional and thematic tone the collection needs to hold. So we move through booths and offerings with clarity, bypassing trends and focusing on long-term relevance.
We handle every aspect of the acquisition: requesting and reviewing condition reports, negotiating pricing, and managing legal documentation. We also ensure full Anti-Money Laundering (AML) compliance. Once acquired, we coordinate shipping, insurance, and transport to make sure the work arrives safely, with all paperwork in order.
From Studio to Site: Commissioning as Conversation
When a work cannot be sourced, it must often be created. In these moments, commissioning becomes not just a solution, but a vital part of our practice, especially in hospitality and public-facing projects where originality and context matter deeply.
Every commission begins with identifying an artist whose work aligns not only with the design language of the space but also with the emotional and cultural atmosphere we aim to build. From there, we develop a clear artist briefing, grounded in the curatorial concept, that provides inspiration while allowing space for the artist’s individual voice. These briefs are accompanied by curatorial texts that further root the work within the wider narrative of the project.
We manage the process with careful structure: from concept development and studio visits to material approvals, budgeting, and production timelines. We ensure the artist is supported while maintaining transparency with the client. Each step, from sketches and samples to shipping and site visits, is coordinated to preserve the integrity of the final work.
Above all, we make sure that each commissioned piece is an authentic work of contemporary art, not decorative, not duplicated, but deeply considered and site-responsive. Whether destined for a hotel, private residence, or cultural institution, it is our responsibility to ensure that what is made contributes to something lasting.
Commissioning is a process that demands patience, dialogue, and trust.
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Why Process Matters.
Our role goes far beyond helping you select the right work. Once a work is chosen, the real responsibility begins, ensuring it is acquired, managed, and placed with the care it deserves. This is the phase that protects your investment, safeguards the artist’s intent, and upholds the integrity of the space it enters.
Each artwork, no matter its value or origin, requires a precise and coordinated process. We manage this on your behalf:
Pre-purchase due diligence: We carry out a thorough review of the artwork’s condition, history, and market position to confirm its suitability, whether for a private collection, a hospitality project, or a larger cultural commission.
Provenance and authenticity: We validate the work’s origin and authorship through gallery records, certificates, and expert consultation when necessary, ensuring every acquisition is legally and ethically sound.
Legal and compliance matters: All transactions are reviewed under current AML (Anti-Money Laundering) regulations and international art trade standards to protect both client and artist.
Acquisition and negotiation: Acting on your behalf, we manage all communications and negotiations with galleries or artists, securing the best possible outcome while respecting long-term relationships.
Condition reports and conservation input: For works with age, fragility, or complexity, we work with trusted conservators to advise on preservation, restoration, or framing — ensuring long-term care from day one.
Insurance and transport: We organise tailored insurance coverage and select experienced art handlers to oversee every movement, whether local or international — with museum-grade packaging and climate control.
Storage logistics: We manage short- and long-term storage as needed, ensuring the environment is right for the materials, with full inventory tracking and access control.
Installation oversight: We coordinate professional installation in close dialogue with designers or architects, making sure the artwork sits exactly as intended, with lighting and environment carefully considered.
Documentation and archiving: We provide detailed documentation for each piece, from authenticity to placement notes — and can develop a digital archive for ongoing collection management.
These are not peripheral services. They are essential steps to ensure the work you acquire is placed correctly, protected thoroughly, and supported well into the future.
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Procurement Is Responsibility
To procure art is to take responsibility, not only for the artwork itself, but for the story it enters, the space it shapes, and the legacy it helps build. It requires more than aesthetic instinct. It asks for precision, humility, and care.
In a world moving fast, procurement is a commitment to going slower. To thinking longer. To ensuring that what is placed today will still hold meaning tomorrow.
This is how we place contemporary art in various different art collections.