The association artbellwald.ch was founded on August 7, 2009 in Bellwald, just one day after the funeral of its committed initiator Bruno Spinner (1948-2009). Bruno Spinner was a lawyer and a diplomat. One of his interests in life was painting. In the 70s, Bruno Spinner succeeded in partially financing his studies by selling his paintings. (see article in German, Horgener Zeitung). The arts, and particularly painting had always been his passion and the founding of the association artbellwald.ch was very important to him.

During his professional career, he had little time left to paint. However, he succeeded in combining the arts with his work and in organizing cultural events which brought people together. Over the years, he met and got to know many artists and art lovers, which he valued and with whom he remained in contact. Bruno Spinner was very attached to Bellwald. After retirement he wanted to take up painting again. His idea was to create an association in Bellwald, which would support artists from all over the world and give them the opportunity to work in a peaceful environment. In order to achieve his aim, he transformed an old barn into a confortable and well-equipped atelier. The support of the Canton of Valais was secured. Unfortunately, Bruno Spinner died on July 25, 2009 and could not fulfil his dream. But he had already organized the foundation of the association so that it could become reality shortly after his death.