Cultura, the world art and antiques fair

It is with great pleasure that we announce the launch of a new art and antiques fair: CULTURA Basel -The World Art & Antiques Fair to be held from 13 - 21 November 1999.

CULTURA Basel is an exciting new world-class event on the international art calendar, organised by Cultura Management Ltd.. This Fair is built on the successful reputation established by the international art & antiques fair, TEFAF Basel, held in this city since 1995. CULTURA aims to have the same high standards of quality and vetting which have been the hallmarks of TEFAF Basel.

CULTURA Basel represents many facets of the art-dealing world. Of particular note will be the world's largest gathering of top-quality dealers in classical Roman, Greek and Egyptian antiques, as well as an important presence of specialists in Asian, Pre-Colombian and Ethnographic art. The Fair also aims to excel in European art and antiques, ranging from late Gothic times to the late 19th and early 20th centuries, and will include an important section of books and illuminated manuscripts. And last but not least, at CULTURA Basel, there will be a strong emphasis on 20th-century design, applied art and jewellery.

The Fair will be held in Hall 3 of the Messe Basel, the location originally planned for TEFAF Basel 1999. This new venue will have exhibitors on two floors and provides a convenient new departure and ambience for the first CULTURA Basel. On show will be a rich variety of top quality works of art from all corners of the world, presented by leading international dealers, making it a true World Art & Antiques Fair. To make the Fair more visitor-friendly, dealers have been grouped into specific sections.

One of the aims of CULTURA is to stablish close co-operation and working relationships between dealers, museums and collectors. In this respect, the Fair will break new ground by inviting both private foundations and museums to participate in the Fair, enabling them to exhibit part of their collections which are not for sale but to be enjoyed by the visitor. For 1999, the organisation, is delighted to welcome the Foundation Leschot from Bern, Switzerland, and the Vitra Design Museum from Weil am Rheim, Germany; world-renowned for its collection of 20th-century design. This new Fair has attracted strong sponsorship, in particular the Swiss bank, UBS, which is the main long-term sponsor.