Dr. Thomas A. Lange on Art as Corporate Identity

As Chairman of the Board of National-Bank, Dr. Thomas A. Lange has overseen the development of the bank’s art collection for many years and has played a key role in shaping its cultural commitment. The collection, which focuses in particular on contemporary art with ties to the North Rhine-Westphalia region, has become an important part of the bank’s cultural identity over the years. It stands for the bank’s longstanding commitment to art and culture and for the conviction that economic responsibility also includes cultural support.

Since 2025, National-Bank and Art Düsseldorf have been partners in an initiative that strengthens the dialogue between art, collectors, and the business community and fosters new connections within the art scene.

We speak with Dr. Lange about the role of corporate collections, corporate responsibility in cultural engagement, and his personal approach to art.

Dr. Lange, you have been closely involved with the National Bank’s art collection for many years. How did your personal interest in art develop?
It began during my school years. I was fortunate to have wonderful teachers. They sparked my enthusiasm for art. Visits to museums and exhibitions added to that. Meeting Andy Warhol in person in 1981 at the Kestner Gesellschaft in Hanover was the “point of no return.”

Has your perspective on art changed since you began curating and working with a corporate collection?
It has become more intense and comprehensive.

The National-Bank has been actively involved in the arts and culture for many years. In your view, what role does art play in a company’s identity?
Art creates identity and cohesion. It establishes and conveys values—values that have connected National-Bank’s customers, owners, and employees for decades. It is our DNA. It fosters the cohesion that is indispensable to a society. In this respect, it is not about illustrating a company, but about an attitude, one that also benefits the res publica.

What can a corporate art collection achieve—for employees, customers, and partners?
It fosters a sense of identity, both individual and collective, creates space for creativity, provides an opportunity to pause and reflect, and stimulates thought. In doing so, it enhances the work environment and strengthens the company’s appeal as an employer.

How does collecting for a company differ from a private collection? What criteria play a role in developing a corporate collection?
A strategic art concept for companies defines clear collection priorities as well as budget, display, storage, and communication. This involves rigor and consistency, but also justification and communication. In a private collection, passion alone takes center stage. Rigor and consistency serve more as secondary considerations.

Many art collectors are also entrepreneurs or high-net-worth individuals. In what ways can a bank serve as a partner for art collectors?
By facilitating access to art, fostering connections with artists and galleries, and offering appropriate purchase financing. More importantly, however, is a bank’s willingness to provide financing to artists and galleries. They are the ones who often need financial support, especially in challenging times like these.

What role do you play in the further development of the National-Bank Collection?
You’ll have to ask my colleagues on the board. However, I am convinced that a strong commitment to culture and society, just like any other set of corporate values, must be supported and shaped by the personal commitment of the company’s leadership, just as much as by the “tone from the top.” Otherwise, the leadership lacks credibility, and its commitment is not credible.

Are there any works or artists in the collection that hold a special place in your heart or that have particular significance for the collection?
Every work resonates with me in a special way. That said, the commissioned works by the National-Bank in the public spaces of the city of Essen: namely “Uranos” by Markus Lüpertz and “Duett” by Stephan Balkenhol hold particular significance.

The National-Bank is a partner of Art Düsseldorf. How do you reflect on this partnership after your first year together in 2025, and what are your hopes for the 2026 fair?
It is a wonderful partnership for which I am very grateful. In that regard, I hope that the 2026 fair will once again attract many visitors from Germany and abroad and continue its success story. We are happy to help whenever we can.

From your perspective, what significance do art fairs hold for the art market and for the dialogue between business and art?
Art fairs are indispensable for a functioning art market; as for the dialogue between business and art, they are subjectively desirable but objectively dispensable.

What are your hopes for the future of the National Bank’s art collection and for the dialogue between business and art?
For the Bank’s collection, I hope for continued interest, recognition, and appreciation. For the dialogue between business and art, however, I hope for an intensification, as many companies have parted with their collections and reduced their financial support for museum exhibitions.

What advice would you give to young collectors who want to build a collection?
Gain your own experience! If it is truly a passion, it will sustain you and forgive any financial missteps. If it is merely an investment, seek advice from third parties!

Dr. THOMAS A. LANGE
CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD
NATIONAL-BANK AG

www.national-bank.de