Social Projects "la Caixa" has been building this art collection since 1985 as part of its mission to promote knowledge and awareness of contemporary art. From the outset the defining features of the Collection have been its eminently contemporary character, the inclusion artists of different origins and backgrounds, openness to all artistic practices, and the strict criteria that govern the acquisition of works. 

The aim is to selectively collect works of great interest and excellence by artists who are models of creativity, innovation and imagination, and who have made a valuable contribution to art and culture.

After being approved by the Acquisition Advisory Board, acquisitions must be authorised by the general director of "la Caixa" Banking Foundation. 

The Acquisition Advisory Board, which is composed of recognised experts on contemporary art, considers proposed works and votes on whether or not to recommend their acquisition. The Board's responsibility is to ensure that proposed acquisitions are significant works and that they are consistent with the criteria that define the Collection. The Board also offers advice on purchase prices, which must be fair and in line with the current market value of the work. A list of the members of the various committees is published on this website. 

Following the agreement to combine the contemporary art collections of "la Caixa" and the Museu d'Art Contemporani de Barcelona (MACBA), the advisory boards of the two institutions have now been merged. This single Advisory Board is responsible for considering possible acquisitions and making recommendations based on the identity, characteristics and budget of each collection.

A maximum of two meetings of the Advisory Board are held each year, and announcements concerning the acquisition of works are made within this framework. 

- Works must fall within the established timeframe for the Collection, which spans the period from 1980 to the present day. Although the Collection holds splendid works produced before 1980, Social Projects "la Caixa" no longer collects pieces executed before this date, except in the case of works that represent an exceptional opportunity related to the content of the Collection that would enhance its significance and distinctiveness. 

- As the Collection focuses on international art, there are no restrictions on the geographical origin of artists. 

- Works must be of distinctive character and aesthetic interest, based either on their historic or social significance, or on the importance of the artist. 

- Acquisitions must fit in with the rest of the works in the Collection: they must be of particular significance in relation to the Collection as a whole and contribute to increasing the scope and depth of the narratives it encompasses. Consideration will be given to works that enhance the significance of existing groups of artworks held by the Collection, and to pieces that offer new contributions and open up new conceptual horizons with respect to artistic practice. 

- Consideration will be given to works in all media, provided they are innovative and make a valuable contribution to the visual arts.

- Works must be significant in relation to the individual artist's output. 

- Works must be in an excellent state of conservation. 

- Requirements with respect to the storage, protection, conservation and exhibition of the work must be reasonable and in line with the capabilities of "la Caixa" Banking Foundation.