Counting some 1,100 objects, Aegon’s art collection is primarily a way to inspire employees.
We also believe that art stimulates debate, represents innovation in many forms and reflects on small and large events all over the world. Our collection supports both up-and-coming talent and more established artists.
For the sake of new perspectives
Aegon does not purchase or curate art for investment purposes. If our art grows in value, that's wonderful – but not a target of our collection. We curate based on key themes and a variety of cultures and perspectives.
Our collection revolves around the following themes:
- People's personal stories
- Innovation
- Nature
- Time
We make the collection ‘work’ for Aegon by sharing the stories of the artworks, linking them to activities both in and outside our company."Lianne Schipper, Curator, Aegon Art Collection
A glance at Aegon's collection
Artistic sponsorships
Aegon supports artists in more than one way. We sponsor, for example, the only modern sculpture museum in the Netherlands. And we contribute to the success of one of the finest ballet companies in the world.
Aegon has sponsored the Nederlands Dans Theater (NDT) for over a decade. Its talented choreographers and dancers create amazing performances that innovate and inspire. They work seamlessly together to exceed audience expectations.
As a company we share these values, particularly our drive to exceed expectations. Our talented and passionate colleagues around the world go the extra mile. They're flexible and their sense of commitment ensures we deliver what our customers expect - or more. Like dancers in a finely tuned choreography, we work together with respect across disciplines, across borders and with partners across the value chain.
Our partnership with the NDT is one of a number of cultural sponsorships focusing on modern visual art. Supporting innovation in art, and making it accessible and relevant for today's audience is something we value. We are on a similar journey with our businesses across the globe.
Aegon is regular sponsor of international guest exhibitions at the Museum Beelden Aan Zee (Sculptures by The Coast) in Scheveningen, just a few kilometers from Aegon's head offices.
Beelden Aan Zee is the only museum in the Netherlands that focusses exclusively on modern sculpture. The collection is made up of more than one thousand sculptures, one thousand plaster models and several hundred medals. The collection varies from portraits to monumental, larger-than-life-sized sculptures.
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Thank you for your interest
Understanding the value that modern visual art brings to the spaces we live in – from your own home to museums, theaters and public space – Aegon supports innovation in art. We find it important to make it accessible and relevant for today's audience. Therefore, Aegon teams up with various contemporary art and culture initiatives, for instance The John Adams Institute, Nederlands Dans Theater, World Press Photo and Museum Sculptures At Sea.
The Aegon Art Collection, started in 1991, underwrites this ambition to share new ideas and visions, to reflect on the small and large events that happen all over the world, and drive collaboration across borders.
Characteristic of our collection include its international focus, the mix of established names and up-and-coming talent and diversity in terms of media and topic.
Themes that play an important role in the art collection framework are people's personal stories ('condition humaine'), diversity, innovation, nature, the balance between private and public and the passage of time. Next to that we aim to inspire our colleagues, guests, and everyone else who connects with our collection by showing artworks that are visually arresting, fun and beautiful.
Predominantly on display in Aegon's offices in The Netherlands, we make the collection 'work' for Aegon by sharing the stories of the artworks, linking them to activities within our company, and inviting artists in to share their views with our community.
We also search for opportunities to collaborate with cultural institutions, museums and other (corporate) collections, making the art accessible to a broad external audience. Lending pieces from our collection to exhibitions and partnering up with initiatives that fit our collection profile, are some examples of our external focus for the collection.
The daily management of the art collection is carried out by curator Lianne Schipper, who discusses the longer-term development with Aegon's Art Committee and art advisor Jan Teeuwisse, director of Museum Beelden aan Zee. Aegon is a member of the Netherlands Association of Corporate Art Collections (VBCN).
Facts & figures
| Collection start date | 1991 |
| Number of works | 1,100, including paintings, photo's, mixed media, prints, sculpture, installations, monumental art and video |
| Artists | 333 artists represented in total, 251 male artists, 76 female artists (6 pieces are by groups) |
| Countries represented | United States, Armenia, Belgium, UK, Chili, China, Denmark. Australia, Germany, Finland, France, Greece, Ireland, Iceland, Iran, Italy, Morocco, the Netherlands, Poland, Spain, Surinam, Vietnam, Sweden, Switzerland |
Lianne Schipper, Curator, Aegon Art Collection
