Art: A passion that touches and an investment that lasts
“The great thing about art is that it can enrich your life just by its existence, and through our collaboration with SEB, more people can open their eyes to the art world,” says Sara Berner Bengtsson, CEO of Market Art Fair.
Since 2023, SEB has partnered with Market Art Fair, an internationally recognised art fair focusing on Nordic contemporary art.
“Many of the bank’s customers are interested in art as a personal passion and an investment object. Through our collaboration with Market Art Fair, clients gain access to fantastic expertise and a network that we would not otherwise be able to offer them,” says William Paus, Head of SEB’s Wealth & Asset Management division.
Since its inception in 2006, Market Art Fair has become one of the most important platforms in the Nordic region for contemporary art. This year, just over 100 artists are represented at Liljevalchs Konsthall, where the fair is held.
William Paus emphasises the importance of facilitating clients interested in art through this type of collaboration.
“We aim to help them navigate the art world and create meeting places for our art-collecting customers. Art is not just something you invest in but something that inspires, challenges and awakens passion – and that is just as valuable.
Sara Berner Bengtsson says the partnership with SEB means fantastic support for the Nordic art market.
“Art must collaborate with the business community to offer people a high-quality cultural life. This is the case everywhere, and the largest international art fairs – in Basel, New York and London – all have strong banks as partners attached to them.”
“But I think it’s important to remember that art is much more than decorative paintings. Sure, a beautiful work can brighten your life – but art can also be a wake-up call that comments on its time and shows things that can’t always be described in words.”
Sara says that during the pandemic, many people discovered the vital role that art and culture played in their lives.
“Meeting points and meeting places are so important. However, meeting places are not created alone; it takes people who get involved and invest to create opportunities to reach more people. And with our collaboration with SEB, we can do just that and enrich more people’s lives,” says Sara.
