Mission
The enterprises of Erste Bank Group own extensive art collections that have developed in various historical contexts. An evaluation of their inventory gave rise to the logical conclusion that a new orientation in the overall approach to collecting had become necessary. In terms of both content and method, Erste Bank Group’s recent collecting activities have been conducted according to a newly elaborated paradigm. It is dedicated both to discovering and making visible an as yet inexistent art market in the region “explored” by the collection and to undertaking an attempt to establish a comprehensive conception of responsibility. Thus the collecting concept centers not only on the promising strengths of a European region that has remained undiscovered in a market-technical sense, but most of all on the function of such activity as a matter of responsibility toward the region’s cultural diversity.Point of Departure
First and foremost, the point of departure is to be found in the impressive achievements of the artists involved. The collection is founded on their exceptional and unique artistic creations, which in the definition of the overall tradition of European art have to this day not been given their due. European culture will remain denied this enrichment as long as it finds no answers to integrating these artists’ contributions into new aptitudes of perception and dialog.
Contribution beyond Economic Concerns
In order to do justice to both orientations, it is necessary to find a strategy of art collecting that takes into account the aesthetic and social context in a new constellation. It is not simply a matter of collecting for the sake of collecting. Erste Bank Group has decided to undertake this project because it understands its dedication to this endeavor as a contribution that goes beyond economic concerns to create social and cultural values in the societies in which it is involved. Developing the new art collection is an act of taking responsibility toward cultural practices and traditions in the region that continue to remain little known and isolated. The opportunities and chances available to artists in the former Communist countries are still nowhere near being able to keep up with the advance of economic and political integration processes.
The collection’s strategy and presentation as well as the selection of its jury follow this principle. Its work is embedded in a program of accompanying activities including research, documentation and exploration of the political framework in which its works are produced.
The Name
The collection’s presentation will be oriented toward “relational” criteria and be decentralized and transnational. It will intervene in local contexts through projects and exhibitions while allowing the broadest possible involvement in its works and activities, especially for the bank group’s employees.
An association founded by Česká spořitelna, Slovenská sporitel’ňa and Erste Bank purchases the artworks. The collection carries the name “Kontakt” and continues in the spirit of Kontakt. The Arts and Civil Society Program of Erste Bank Group in Central Europe. The title also makes reference to the Slovak artist Július Koller (born in 1939) and to the name he gave to his widely received performances during the 60s. Thus the collection's logo also mirrors the artist's handwriting.
Decisions regarding the collection’s policies and purchases are made by an independent advisory committee. Its dedication and competence ensure the seriousness of the endeavor and the new collection’s uniqueness and viability for future generations.
We would like to put the assemblage of a new Central European art collection at the service of art and therewith at the service of cultural development in the region. One can only do justice to this undertaking through an appreciation of the responsibility it involves in the context of the greatest possible respect for the artists themselves and through an uncompromising dedication to quality with regard to the collection’s work.
Boris Marte
