Proposals for purchases

The Gottfried Keller Foundation Commission acquires important works of visual art with a link to Swiss art and collection history on behalf of the Confederation. In line with the founder's wishes, purchases of contemporary art are exceptions rather than the rule. Since 2012, the acquisitions budget has been supplemented above and beyond the revenues from the Foundation's assets with an annual subsidy from the Confederation that currently stands at CHF 260,000. Purchases become part of the Gottfried Keller Foundation's collection holdings and are the property of the Swiss Confederation. They are deposited with Swiss museums on permanent loan.

Swiss museums can submit purchase proposals with supporting documentation to the secretariat. Entries should be submitted electronically and include the following documents: A description and art-historical appraisal of the work, a complete provenance list including sources, the names of the sellers and the purchase price, a high-resolution image, a current condition report on the work, and an explanation of the institution's collection concept and how the acquisition would enrich the existing collection. The Commission normally considers the proposals at its meetings in February and September. Urgent requests are also accepted, however, and are dealt with promptly whenever possible.

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