Banks and wealth managers need to wrestle with such megatrends in order to understand potential future patterns of demand. The Zurich-listed bank has engaged the services of a renowned artist to explore a variety of topics.

Julius Baer has launched “NEXT,” an initiative designed to encourage exploration of megatrends across the arts, science, and technology.

For the Swiss bank’s first project, it has commissioned Refik Anadol, an internationally renowned media artist, director and pioneer in the aesthetics of data and machine intelligence, to create an immersive experience that will be unveiled over several locations and launched at next year’s Art Dubai.

The bank’s programme is designed to support the collaboration with artists and institutions committed to new forms of cultural production and in the vanguard of scientific research and technological developments.  

“The support of upcoming currents in art is an integral part of Julius Baer’s DNA, and the exploration of the trends that shape our future is inherent to our role as a wealth manager,” Philipp Rickenbacher, CEO of Julius Baer, said. “Partnering with foresighted individuals like Refik Anadol and foresighted institutions like the Serpentine to amplify innovation and progress, mirrors our purpose of creating value beyond wealth.”

Banks and wealth managers need to wrestle with such megatrends to understand potential future patterns of demand.

The NEXT Curatorial Board is composed of: Larissa Alghisi, chief communications officer, Julius Baer; Laura Blagho, art strategist, Julius Baer; Barbara Staubli, curator art collection, Julius Baer; Hans Ulrich Obrist, curator artistic director, Serpentine; and Michelle Nicol, curator, Neutral.