Dear Alumni,

We are delighted to invite you to this year’s Art Basel event. Following our inspiring gathering in 2025, we continue our tradition of exploring contemporary art together — this time with a special highlight:

The VOLTA Art Fair 2026 has invited the Columbia Alumni Association Basel Chapter as VIP guests.
Thanks to this generous invitation, we will receive an exclusive introduction by a member of the VOLTA team, followed by a guided tour of selected curatorial highlights. In addition, VOLTA is providing VIP Guest Passes for our alumni to the VOLTA Art Fair, allowing you to visit the fair freely during opening hours. We look forward to an evening of art, conversation, and connection at the heart of Art Basel.

Program

6:30 PM – Meeting Point at Hall 4.U, Congress Center Basel
Introduction to the exhibition

Congress Center Basel Messeplatz 21, CH‑4058 Basel

We will be welcomed by a VOLTA staff member who will give us an introduction to this year’s exhibition and guide us to selected highlights.

Approx. 7:00–8:00 PM – Individual Visit of the VOLTA Art Fair

After the introduction, you will have time to explore the fair at your own pace. VOLTA showcases international contemporary art with a focus on emerging positions and strong curatorial concepts. More information: https://www.voltaartfairs.com/

From 8:00 PM – Informal Gathering at Bistro EUROPE

Bistro EUROPE – Hotel Pullman Basel Europe Clarastrasse 43, CH‑4058 Basel

We will end the evening together over a drink or a light meal. Please indicate in the registration form whether you will join us at the bistro.

VIP Guest Pass

All registered participants will receive a personal link via email to obtain their free VIP Guest Pass. After registering through the link, you will receive your pass, which grants complimentary access to the VOLTA Art Fair 2026 during official opening hours — even outside the event evening.

Registration

Please register using the form on this pageand indicate:

whether you will join the guided tour (shift 1), and

whether you will attend the gathering at Bistro EUROPE (shift 2).

Cost

Participation in the event is free of charge, including the guided introduction and access to the VOLTA Art Fair with the VIP Guest Pass. Food and drinks at Bistro EUROPE are at participants’ own expense.

We look forward to sharing this inspiring evening with you.

Warm regards
Philippe Waelle, President Basel Chapter
Corinna Grisostimi, Event Officer
Patrick Naef, Event Officer

CONTACT    
Philippe Waelle
pw123@columbia.edu