Thomas Bangalter, co-founder of the electronic duo Daft Punk, will curate an immersive event at Art Basel 2026 in Basel, Switzerland, running from June 18 to 21. The project, developed with the Beyeler Foundation and produced by Nordstern Basel and art.klub, features a "deconstructed dance floor" blending political history and underground culture, with contributions from German DJ Rampa and Swiss-French visual artist Julian Charrière. The daytime installation will transform into a rave with a DJ set by Rampa and a special guest, while the night moves to Nordstern Basel with sets by Desiree, Jimi Jules, and Yare. The event is phone-free, requiring attendees to seal recording devices in pouches.
This collaboration matters because it underscores the growing convergence of electronic music and contemporary art at major international art fairs, breaking down traditional boundaries between club culture and the art world. Bangalter's involvement—following his recent face-unmasked DJ set at the Centre Pompidou—signals a continued post-Daft Punk exploration of immersive, multi-sensory experiences that attract new audiences to events like Art Basel. The project also highlights how institutions like the Beyeler Foundation are leveraging music to expand their reach and relevance.