Julius Baer Announces Launch of Next Generation Art Prize

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Julius Baer, the leading Swiss private bank group, launches the inaugural Next Generation Art Prize, dedicated solely to digital art by young creatives. 

The Julius Baer Next Generation Art Prize is open to Southeast Asian artists, aged 18 to 40 years old. Entrants are invited to send in their digital art creations from November 5, 2020, to February 28, 2021, at www.juliusbaer.com/en/spotlight/next-generation-art-prize.

The Next Generation investment philosophy at Julius Baer is a thematic investing approach with a focus on long-term structural growth. It is our vision of the future that is shaped by mega trends that we identify and translate into investment themes today. Entries should reflect at least one of the Bank’s Next Generation investment themes, which are:

°            Arising Asia

°            Digital disruption

°            Energy transition

°            Feeding the world

°            Future cities

°            Shifting lifestyles and inequality

°            Sustainability

“We are pleased to extend Julius Baer’s long tradition of supporting the arts to Asia, the Group’s second home market. With this inaugural Art Prize, we hope to nurture and empower young artistic talent, discover and promote emerging voices, ideas and expressions in Asia,” said Jimmy Lee, Head Asia Pacific and Member of the Executive Board, Bank Julius Baer.

“With a focus on Southeast Asia, we are excited to play a role in developing the region’s burgeoning art scene and promoting a culturally diverse and technologically advanced arts community. This is in line with a worldwide shift to focus on digital and technology’s value as a conduit of business and leisure that has seen attitudes and assumptions challenged by the advent of the pandemic,” said Jason Moo, Head Private Banking Southeast Asia, and Manager of Singapore Branch, Bank Julius Baer.

There are two categories of Digital Art: Still Image (e.g. digital photography) and Moving Image (e.g. video art). Three winners will be selected from each category and will each receive a cash prize of USD 15,000, USD 10,000 and USD 5,000 respectively. Prizes total up to USD 60,000. 

All digital artworks must be original and completed between January 1, 2019, and February 28, 2021, in order to qualify for consideration. 

The panel of five jurors will select twenty finalists, ten from each category. The finalists will be assessed on conceptual insight, originality of visual expression, and utilization of the medium. 

“The Julius Baer Art Collection highlights our corporate culture that fosters innovation and creativity and our social responsibility through supporting artists in Switzerland. I am very happy that we extend our commitment to promote young talents with the ‘Next Generation Art Prize’ in Asia,” said Barbara Staubli, Curator of The Julius Baer Art Collection, Bank Julius Baer.

The jury includes Barbara Staubli, Curator of The Julius Baer Art Collection based in Switzerland; Dr. Wiyu Wahono, Art Collector based in Indonesia; Dr. Cheryl Loh, Contemporary Art Collector and practicing doctor based in Singapore; Audrey Yeo, Gallerist of Yeo Workshop in Singapore; and Inti Guerrero, Curator based in Manila.

“In times like this where art is needed more than ever, it is heartening that Julius Baer has launched such an initiative to encourage artists who in turn can encourage others. Furthermore, focusing on the digital medium, which is accessible and has the potential to reach audiences far and wide, is a move that is future-forward,” said Audrey Yeo, Gallerist.