Deutsche Börse has transferred its photo art-related activities to a foundation, the “Deutsche Börse Photography Foundation”. The objective of the Frankfurt-based non-profit organisation is to promote contemporary photography. This is Deutsche Börse's approach of making its commitment to cultural activities permanent – which it has been actively pursuing for many years. The foundation activities will remain focussed on collecting, exhibiting and promoting contemporary photography.
For instance, maintaining and expanding the Art Collection Deutsche Börse is one of the key aims of the foundation. Deutsche Börse began to build up its collection of contemporary photography in 1999. Art Collection Deutsche Börse now comprises more than 1,600 works by over 100 international artists. The collection and a related exhibition programme are open to the public, for example at the Deutsche Börse headquarters in Eschborn. There will be even greater emphasis on sharing the collection with the public in future.
“The launch of the Deutsche Börse Photography Foundation proves the great importance that Deutsche Börse places on cultural commitment. By establishing a foundation, the Group is underlining its commitment to art for the long term. We are absolutely delighted to be able to step up the work we have done in the past, and to develop exciting new projects relating to the medium of photography,” said Anne-Marie Beckmann, Director of the Deutsche Börse Photography Foundation.
The Deutsche Börse Photography Prize is another of the foundation's key projects. The renowned prize has been awarded annually since 2005 together with the Photographers' Gallery in London, and has become an important international art prize. The foundation will continue the commitment to the prize, which will be awarded with its new name, the Deutsche Börse Photography Foundation Prize, for the first time in May 2016.
Other focal points include promoting new talent and supporting exhibition projects of international museums and institutions. The development of platforms for educational exchange via the medium of photography will also continue by way of cooperations with universities institutions of higher education, such as Deutsche Börse's longstanding relationships with the Offenbach University of Art and Design (HfG) and the Städelschule art academy in Frankfurt.
