Independent Collectors

The Collective Power of Art

INDEPENDENT COLLECTORS is an international community and publishing platform dedicated to contemporary art. With the help of our network of more than 6 000 collectors across 50+ countries, our mission is to be the longest-lasting chronicle of private art.

We work with established and emerging collectors, featuring a variety of places from private museums in major cities to private homes in remote villages. Our teams are based in Athens, Berlin, Cologne, Miami, Milan, Seoul, and Zurich.

If you wish to be featured with your collection please get in touch.

Nina Raftopoulo, Managing Director, Berlin/Athens
Nina Raftopoulo, Managing Director, Berlin/Athens
Sandra Gehrer, Managing Director, Cologne
Sandra Gehrer, Managing Director, Cologne

OUR STORY

In 2008, a group of friends surrounding Christian Kaspar Schwarm founded IC as the very first social network for collectors. From the very beginning, it wasn’t elitism we were after, but a new form of exclusiveness. A secure space where collectors of contemporary art could distinguish themselves while at the same time extending an invitation to like-minded people. We replaced quantity – the secret behind every successful social network – with the quality of an individually verified community which would go on to become the largest platform of privately owned art. A decade later, we opened up the space to the general public, giving everyone access to over 500 online exhibitions. Following our dedication to getting more people excited about starting their own collections, we were awarded the prestigious Art Cologne Prize for outstanding art mediation in 2019.

Christian Kaspar Schwarm, Founder, Berlin
Christian Kaspar Schwarm, Founder, Berlin
INDEPENDENT COLLECTORS in 2008
INDEPENDENT COLLECTORS in 2008

SERVICES FOR COLLECTORS

We are convinced: The most important skills to rely on today are curiosity and instinct, however, profound knowledge and lifelong networking are crucial, too. If you are a collector or company seeking guidance in the art sector, our team can advise you on strategy, acquisition, and communication/pr.

Please feel free to get in touch for a complimentary consulting session.

Vanessa Zerahn, Project Manager, Berlin
Vanessa Zerahn, Project Manager, Berlin
Stefan Wunderwald, Creative Director Platforms, Developer, Berlin
Stefan Wunderwald, Creative Director Platforms, Developer, Berlin
Max Pilger, Production Manager, Paris
Max Pilger, Production Manager, Paris
Silvia Anna Barrila, Curator, Milan
Silvia Anna Barrila, Curator, Milan
Georgie Pope, Curator, Berlin
Georgie Pope, Curator, Berlin
Jiyoung Kim, Curator, Seoul
Jiyoung Kim, Curator, Seoul

FROM SPONSORSHIP TO AUTHORSHIP

We help corporate brands gain access to our network in the art world by creating unique formats and services. Assisting in all phases of cultural initiatives – from strategy to execution of outstanding content – we can position your brand as a forward-thinking patron of creative culture.

Please feel free to get in touch for a complimentary consulting session.

The BMW Art Guide by INDEPENDENT COLLECTORS

GLOBAL PARTNER

Since 2009, INDEPENDENT COLLECTORS has been in partnership with BMW Group Culture. The joint project BMW Art Guide began in 2012 with the ambitious task of compiling a worldwide list of private yet physically accessible art collections – including those that had never before opened their doors to the public. This resulted in a travel guide that would radically improve access to private homes filled with art.

Get the new book.