Coronavirus: Art Basel Fair 2020 cancelled

2020 edition of Art Basel fair, which was deferred from June to September earlier this year, w stands cancelled following an "extensive analysis of current global situation", fair organisers anunced on Saturday. One of largest art fairs in world, four-day event was scheduled to take place at Messe Basel from September 17-20, after having previously been postponed from June.

organisers said decision to cancel event was me after "thorough consultation" with many gallerists, collectors, partners, as well as external experts, while keeping in mind " fundamental health and safety risks related to pandemic".  financial risks for exhibitors and partners, ongoing impediments to international travel, and fact that regulatory environment around large-scale events has yet to be finalized by Swiss Federal Council, were among or determining factors, y ded.

"We are acutely aware that our galleries are facing unprecedented challenges and ecomic difficulties, and we h fervently hoped to support art market’s recovery with a successful fair in September. "Unfortunately, uncertainties that we face remain too high. best way forward for our Basel show is refore to focus on delivering a fair of same exceptional international quality that artworld expects from us next June, as we continue to support our galleries by furr developing our digital platforms and by delivering our upcoming shows in Miami Beach and Hong Kong," said Marc Spiegler, Global Director, Art Basel.

postponement of Art Basel comes after cancellation of its Hong Kong edition, and Frieze, New York, earlier this year. Art Dubai's 2020 edition was also postponed indefinitely due to pandemic.

Im credits: Art Basel