This buzzing summer week in Basel, Liste Art Fair Basel rejoices in its 30th iteration, currently on view through June 22 at Messe Basel. The distinguished presentation unfolds as a must-see on the year’s international arts calendar, championing the next generation of profound contemporary artists. During this momentous anniversary, 99 galleries hailing from 31 countries will unite, and 48 spaces will debut at Liste for the very first time. Visitors from around the world can look forward to riveting solo shows, emerging gallery exhibitions, and a vivacious program of notable guests, conversations, and activations.
The Inaugural Direction of Nikola Dietrich
Liste 30, Opening Day, Image Silke Briel, Courtesy Liste Art Fair Basel.
This year’s radiant edition of Liste Art Fair Basel is newly Directed by Nikola Dietrich, who brings vast experience from curatorial positions within Portikus in Frankfurt and Kunstmuseum Basel, as well as her time as Director of the Kölnischer Kunstverein, to this thrilling new chapter. In addition to the meticulous curation of creative showcases, Dietrich steers the coinciding program focused on performance, publishing, architecture, education, and more in meaningful new directions.
“As a site of discourse, Liste has always been closely connected to both the production and evolution of emerging as well as established or trailblazing artists,” said Dietrich. “The fair explores young art scenes and evolving forms of expression—not merely by tracing trends but also by responding to shifts and disruptions.”
“The fair explores young art scenes and evolving forms of expression,”
Nikola Dietrich
“As a communal gathering space, it also offers a unique sensual dimension to contemporary art, fostering long-term connections between collectors, artists, gallerists and curators and strategically positioning them within the international art market.”
The Cutting-Edge Galleries Participating in Liste Art Fair Basel
Valerie’s Factory, Valentina Quintero, Mujeres Descansando, 2024, Courtesy the Artist and Valerie’s Factory.
A diverse array of countries are represented in the 99 galleries presenting at the top fair, including Denmark, South Korea, Switzerland, Ukraine, Italy, Nigeria, Singapore, Uganda, and much more. Returning galleries come back with forward-thinking presentations. Cylinder (Seoul) offers a soulful group exhibition with artists Eusung Lee and Sunwon Chang, which voyages through the myths and cultural nuances of Peru’s Nazca Lines.
Within the category of first-time participants, Numanohashi (Tokyo) brings the majestic artistry of painters Paul Gondry and Itsuki Kaito, while Valerie’s Factory (Buenos Aires) raises the curtain on immersive paintings and sculptures by Trinidad Metz Brea and Valentina Quintero; here, a powerful and tender look at the fluidity of nature and humanity transpires.
Noteworthy Projects and Programs
Anca Poterasu Gallery, Aurora Kiraly, Heroines, Spinning the Fiber Into Fine Yarn, display 1, 2, 3; Courtesy Liste Art Fair Basel.
Liste Art Fair Basel’s illustrious association known as “Friends of Liste” shines light on the most innovative and vital booths of the fair. 11 standout galleries have received this immense honor in 2025, including Shower and Whistle (Seoul), Parallel Oaxaca (Oaxaca), Final Hot Desert (London), and Bombon (Barcelona).
This year, a fresh platform titled “Wall” will make ample space for spirited, new projects and artist-run endeavors. Participants for 2025 with bespoke, curated art initiatives include The Wig (Berlin), Galerina (London), and Institut Funder Bakke (Silkeborg). A lively and diverse bookshop, “Spine Book Forum,” is also unveiled, specially curated by art book publisher Distanz, where visitors can soak in the breadth and beauty of topics such as film, architecture, art, and more.
A parade of captivating events unfold each and every day at Liste Art Fair Basel, including an energetic performance program spearheaded by curator Jacob Fabricius. Within a substantial “Show and Tell” arrangement, art industry leaders host panel discussions and workshops. Visitors with children will want to make time for artist Tina Braegger’s playful workshop in the creation of Grateful Dead teddy bears.
Within Liste Art Fair Basel’s exquisite new design by Basel-based studio Martina Kausch Architektinnen, a lyrical and spontaneous configuration leads to delightful and enriching encounters for all. “The new layout creates a range of atmospheres—from intimate zones to open plazas—and invites visitors on a journey of discovery with high spatial quality,” said Martina Kausch. “It is a dynamic framework that promotes exchange and makes space for the unexpected.”
“It is a dynamic framework that promotes exchange and makes space for the unexpected,”
Martina Kausch
P21, Changkon Lim, A Vacant Man, 2018, Courtesy the Artist.
