Luxury hotels are working with artists to document significant moments and special guests. We look at the most creative artist-in-residence programmes taking place in hotels around the world today.
Claridge’s, London
Fashion illustrator and artist David Downton has the honour of being the first ever artist in residence at Claridge’s. As part of his role, Downton will document through his drawing some of the famed guests who call Claridge’s their London base. Notable personalities so far captured by the artist during their Claridge’s stay include Diane von Furstenberg, Dita Von Teese, Christian Louboutin and Sarah Jessica Parker.
The Savoy, London
Claude Monet was the first artist-in-residence at The Savoy in 1901 , painting Thames views from his top-floor room. Since last year, the British artists Stuart McAlpine Miller and David Downes have been invited to follow in his footsteps – the latter using the lobby as his studio, to the delight of guests.
Corinthia, London
The second year of the artist-in-residence programme at London’s Corinthia hotel sees the Look Left Look Right theatre company perform “immersive theatre” with guests, until April 21. As the programme develops it is intended that artists will specialise in a distinct discipline, be it art, theatre, film, fashion, design or so on, and each year a panel of judges will commission a work that draws on the winner’s talents.
Pfister Hotel, Milwaukee
This historic American hotel has a collection of Victorian art which it claims is the largest of its kind in any hotel in the world. For the past three years, it has run a studio and gallery in which a chosen artist can work and exhibit to hotel guests and the general public. Scheduled art tours can be arranged for guests through the hotel concierge.
The Swatch Art Peace Hotel, Shanghai
Based on the premise that “The real luxury in life is art”, this Shanghai hotel invites up to 18 international artists to stay – in return for a piece of art from each. Participants in the programme are chosen by an Artist Selection Committee that includes Swatch Group employees and the actor George Clooney, with successful candidates permitted to stay at the hotel for a period between three and six months. The hotel is currently developing a ‘virtual museum’ which will allow a digital audience to see contributing artists’ work without committing to a trip to Shanghai.