Swatch Art Peace Hotel will celebrate its 15th anniversary in 2026. This artist residency space located at the Bund in Shanghai symbolizes the passion for creativity and the power of art. Since its opening in 2011, this unique space has hosted over 600 artists from 61 countries, providing them with an environment for free expression.
Exciting Arrangements for the Celebration
To mark this significant milestone, Swatch will launch a series of global celebrations. Kicking off with the Art Journey 2026 exhibition in January, the celebrations will extend to Europe and China, showcasing works by current and past resident artists.
- PHOTOFAIRS Shanghai: From 7 to 10 May 2026, a special exhibition will be held at Asia’s leading photography and digital art fair.
- Flora Fantastica, Venice, Italy: From 6 May to 26 July 2026, an exhibition at the Royal Gardens of Venice showcasing an imaginative natural world.
- Kunsthaus Biel, Biel, Switzerland: From 16 July to 30 August 2026, a celebratory exhibition returning to the original intent of the Swatch Art Peace Hotel.
- Locarno Film Festival, Locarno, Switzerland: From 5 to 15 August 2026, showcasing avant-garde works that challenge conventions.
- Swatch Art Peace Hotel Celebrations: Two special closing events will take place in Shanghai in autumn 2026.
- 15 x 15 Art Invasion: Throughout the year, pop-up exhibitions will be held in various locations across the mainland, featuring works by resident artists.
The Power of Art and Future Outlook
Carlo Giordanetti, President of Swatch Art Peace Hotel, stated: “This anniversary is a journey through fifteen years of creativity, celebrating every artist who has blossomed here and all the possibilities waiting to unfold!”
As part of the celebrations, resident artist Jake Homovich’s work, In Transit – In Translation, captures the stories of the residency experience and will be exhibited at the Swatch store in Shanghai. Additionally, Swatch Art Peace Hotel will publish a special anniversary edition of Traces, featuring works by resident artists from the past two years.
Swatch Art Peace Hotel is not only a space for artistic creation but also a hub for cultural exchange and innovative thinking, looking forward to continuing to support artists and foster more creative births in the future.
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