Provenance Research:

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On 14 March 2023 the Kunsthaus Zurich issued a press release about its news strategy for provenance research. The release is here, the text of the release is below:

Kunsthaus Zürich strengthens provenance research with new strategy, outside expertise and additional resources

Today the Kunsthaus Zürich publishes a new strategy for provenance research in its collection.

The main features of the new strategy are:

• A proactive approach, professional review and quality standards.

• Just and fair solutions where there are substantiated indications that works are held unlawfully.

• More resources and improved transparency.

• An independent, international commission of experts to support provenance research.

Since the Zürcher Kunstgesellschaft is the owner of the collection, its Board is responsible for creating the right framework for implementation, and for taking decisions on just and fair solutions. ‘We have been working intensively over recent months to reorient our provenance research, which has been a priority since Ann Demeester and I took office. I am delighted today to present a clear and up-to- date strategy on behalf of the Board and together with the Director. Our overriding objective must always be to review professionally the origins of the works we hold, and to enable just and fair solutions where there are substantiated indications of cultural property confiscated as a result of Nazi persecution. We are aware that this will be a lengthy and complex process: ultimately, the history of each artwork involved is unique. The strategy we are presenting today establishes a clear framework for the challenges that lie ahead.’, said Dr Philipp M. Hildebrand, Chair of the Zürcher Kunstgesellschaft.

PROACTIVE AND TRANSPARENT APPROACH TO RESEARCH RESULTS

In future, the Kunsthaus Zürich will adopt a more proactive approach to works that, following in-depth research, may constitute cultural property confiscated as a result of Nazi persecution. This may under specific conditions also include artworks sold by emigrants in what are termed ‘safe’ third countries outside the area of Nazi rule, such as Switzerland. The research will prioritize the Kunsthaus’s own collection as well as new acquisitions. The ongoing systematic review of the collection holdings will be continued and conducted in greater depth. The provenance of works created prior to 1945 that changed hands between January 1933 and May 1945 will be reviewed. The Kunsthaus Zürich will progressively expand its internal and external mediation activities, and work more closely with specialists elsewhere.

‘As a museum, we bear a great social responsibility’, commented Director Ann Demeester. ‘Against that backdrop, we believe a proactive approach to provenance research accompanied by maximum transparency is essential. Just as important as the research itself is what we do with the results we obtain. We must also acknowledge that provenance research is complex, because every case needs to be analysed and assessed separately. For that reason, we have decided to strengthen the team and create new positions, thanks in part to support from the Federal Office of Culture and the Canton of Zurich. The latter’s Executive Council has submitted to the Cantonal Council a request for CHF 1 million for the coming years to support the project, as part of the 2019–2023 legislative period.’

INDEPENDENT, INTERNATIONAL COMMISSION FOR THE KUNSTHAUS UNTIL A NATIONAL SOLUTION IS FOUND

The Kunsthaus Zürich explicitly supports efforts at the national level to set up an independent commission on cultural property confiscated as a result of Nazi persecution. Until that is achieved, the Zürcher Kunstgesellschaft will put in place an international commission of experts to act as an independent body assisting and advising the Zürcher Kunstgesellschaft in assessing the results of its own research. This commission is to be set up by autumn 2023.

FURTHER INFORMATION ONLINE (from 12 noon)

  - The provenance research strategy is described in detail at  www.kunsthaus.ch/en/sammlung/provenienzforschung/.

-  Findings and results from provenance research to date are also noted in the online collection
   (collection.kunsthaus.ch).

-  Specific archival materials can be viewed on the online platform for the archives of the Zürcher    Kunstgesellschaft and the Kunsthaus Zürich (digital.kunsthaus.ch).

NOTE AND CONTACT FOR THE MEDIA
The new provenance research strategy is available in PDF format in the media download section, along with illustrative materials. The Chair of the Zürcher Kunstgesellschaft, Dr Philipp M. Hildebrand, and the Director of the Kunsthaus, Ann Demeester, will be available to answer questions between 10 a.m. and 11 a.m. at the Director’s offices, Winkelwiese 4, 8001 Zurich. Please bear in mind that owing to the short time slot, there will not be an opportunity for radio interviews, TV reports or photos with the Chair and Director. Thank you for your understanding.

For further information, contact:
Björn Quellenberg
Head of Communications & Marketing
bjoern.quellenberg@kunsthaus.ch
Tel. +41 (0)44 253 84 11

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