AXA Art's international research grant project was recently praised by two leading German newspapers - Süddeutsche Zeitung and Handelsblatt - citing the company's international research grant project as a key source of support for culture today. Subsequently, the Cultural Circle of German Business and Industry within the Federation of German Industry together with Süddeutsche Zeitung and Handelsblatt conducted an evaluation of cultural activities within businesses, and AXA Art was among the companies recognized, netting 1st prize in its category for support and promotion of culture. The Allianz Cultural Foundation and the Albert-von Metzler Foundation were also winners.

“AXA Art appreciates this impressive acknowledgement by the Cultural Circle of German Business and Industry together with Süddeutsche Zeitung and Handelsblat," commented Christiane Fischer, CEO of AXA Art US. “It is gratifying to know that our efforts in helping to advance preservation of cultural heritage and treasures through the AXA Art Conservation Research Grant project, have been recognized with this cultural promotion award."

As a specialist insurer in the field of fine arts and collectibles, AXA Art manages settlements for art-related claims globally, with accidental damages representing the largest number of claims received by the company. As a result, the company works closely with various universities and museums and has embraced opportunities to actively promote research into cutting-edge preservation techniques and conservation methods, to help extend the life of artworks.

“Anyone can give money. At AXA Art, we have looked into different ways of promoting, art," commented Ulrich Guntram, Chairman of AXA Art's global operations. “Receipt of this cultural award recognizes the fruit of the AXA Art Research Grant project which supports technologies and methods to ensure that works of art last over time," he concluded. Over the years, the AXA Art Conservation Research Grant has been applied to activities such as the Modern Paints project, an international collaborative research in preventive and practical conservation of acrylic works by the Tate in London ; the Ad Reinhardt Research Project in conjunction with the Solomon R. Guggenheim Foundation and The Museum of Modern Art, a study in alternatives for successfully treating and restoring minimalist works and the AXA Art Conservation Research Project to study the plastic conservation in conjunction with the Vitra Design Museum which houses a large collection of plastic items of furniture.

About AXA Art Insurance
AXA Art insures objects in every active area of serious collecting, that includes paintings, drawings and sculpture to rare stamps, antique furnishings and vintage vehicles. The company serves a wide range of clients, from first-time purchasers to the world's most respected collectors, as well as museums, galleries, corporations and public exhibitions. AXA Art s 50 full-time art historians around the world are augmented by an extensive network of renowned curators, appraisers, conservators, shippers and handlers, and tax consultants. AXA Art maintains offices in New York (headquarters), Atlanta Beverly Hills, Chicago, Dallas, Philadelphia and New England, and sister offices in Brussels, Cologne, London, Madrid, Milan, Paris and Zurich. For more information visit www.axa-art.com

For further information, please contact:

International
Dr. Thomas Wessel
Telephone: 221 148 3 2621
E-mail: thomas.wessel@axa-art.de

United States:
Rosalind (Roz) Joseph
Telephone: (718) 710-5181
E-mail: rjoseph@axa-art-usa.com