Collectors programme launched in Slovakia

“The standard of living is rising in Slovakia and people are eager to surround themselves with unique and original objects. In addition, collecting and supporting the art scene is considered a matter of social etiquette in the West and makes an inseparable part of responsible business,” says Barbora Půlpánová, the project’s founder, adding: “EduArt Start is designed for people who notice this trend but are not exactly sure where to begin or how to dive deeper into the world of art”.

The demand for works by contemporary authors, the price of which does not necessarily have to reach six figures, is now increasing in Slovakia. This goes hand in hand with the art scene’s recovery – we are currently witnessing new gallery openings or the unveiling of the renovated premises of the Slovak National Gallery. Other interesting projects are in the pipeline. “The Slovak scene has a lot to offer, there are quality artists who can easily stand up to foreign competition. Projects such as EduArt can help collectors to better navigate the supply and understand the laws of the art market, thus contributing to its cultivation,” says Nina Gažovičová from the Soga auction house, who is also one of the programme’s lecturers.

EduArt Start will feature, among other experts, representatives of the National Gallery of Art, curators Vladimír Beskid and Michal Stolárik, gallerists Zuzana and Pavol Weiss, and Patrik Steinhauser. The collector’s perspective will be introduced by the entrepreneur Silvia Kušnírová. Foreign viewpoints will be provided through online sessions by, for example, former Tate Britain curator and head of Parafin gallery Ben Tufnell, curator Jane Neal, Christie’s specialist Bojana Popovic, and art advisor Nico Epstein.