Study Trip to Art Basel: Immersing MBA Students in the World of Contemporary Art

For our annual trip to the city of Basel which occurs during the prestigious art fair Art Basel MBA in Arts & cultural Management program (MACAM) (January intake) and the French Art Contemporain et Commissariat d’Exposition track were guided by teachers Fabienne Bideaud, Carolina Ariza, Hafida Hemni di Folco, and Nathalie Moureaud.

The trip began with a welcome briefing, where students met their professors as well as their classmates to discuss the itinerary and goals for the trip. One of the first visits was to the Kunstmuseum Basel, one of the most significant art museums in Switzerland. The visit included viewing the exhibition “When We See Us,”.

It focuses on African painting and offers a deep dive into the continent's rich artistic heritage. The next day included contemporary art at the Fondation Beyeler, starting with Tino Sehgal’s thought-provoking performance art, followed by Philippe Parreno’s innovative installations that blend art with technology and the environment. 

The day concluded with a visit to Art Social Basel, where students engaged with local as well as international artists in a dynamic setting, fostering dialogue and collaboration.

At Kunsthalle Basel, our students got to see the exhibition “Ilé Oriaku” by Nigerian artist Toyin Ojih Odutola, known for her powerful and intricate drawings exploring identity and heritage. The highlight of the day, however, was experiencing the heart of Art Basel at the main fair and the Unlimited section. The Art Basel fair includes a vast array of contemporary art from leading galleries around the world, including large-scale installations providing an immersive art experience. With 285 participating galleries, there was a lot of art to discover on the show floor. Art Basel offers unparalleled networking opportunities, allowing students to engage with artists, curators, gallery owners, and fellow art enthusiasts, paving the way for future collaborations and career advancements.

The students also visited the Musée Tinguely to discover Mika Rothemberg’s imaginative and critical works in a museum dedicated to the kinetic art of Jean Tinguely followed by a second visit to the Kunstmuseum Basel to explore Dan Flavin’s minimalist light installations and a comprehensive collection of great paintings.

This study trip to Basel for Art Basel is more than just a visit to an art fair; it is a comprehensive educational journey designed to immerse students in the world of contemporary art. With the guidance of their experienced teachers and the rich cultural offerings of Basel, students are set for an enriching and inspiring experience, ready to be amazed, challenged, and transformed by the art and artists they encounter.

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