Art Basel in Hong Kong Bumped to May 2021

The postponement was blamed on the pandemic and ongoing travel restrictions.

Art Basel today announced its Hong Kong fair would be delayed by two months. Initially scheduled for March 2021, the event will now take place from 19–23 May at its usual venue, the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC). The fair will revert back to March from 2022.

In a statement, Art Basel said, 'this decision was taken in close consultation with gallerists, collectors, partners, and external experts, with the goal of ensuring that the fair will be attended by the largest possible number of collectors, curators, and arts professionals from Art Basel's global network, while protecting the health and safety of everyone concerned.'

Adeline Ooi, Director Asia at Art Basel, said, 'We believe shifting the fair to May is the right decision given the current development of the pandemic and its impact on international travel restrictions. By taking the decision early, our aim is to support our galleries in advance planning for their 2021 programs.'

Art Basel is, however, going ahead with a smaller event in the city this year. Twenty-two Hong Kong-based galleries will participate in Hong Kong Spotlight by Art Basel at art fair Fine Art Asia from 27–30 November 2020. Fine Art Asia also takes place at the HKCEC.

Among the highlights of Hong Kong Spotlight by Art Basel are photographs by Hiroh Kikai at NANZUKA gallery and acrylic on muslin paintings from Jim Shaw's Man Machine series presented by Simon Lee Gallery.

Taiwanese art fair Taipei Dangdai also announced today that it would be postponed. Scheduled for January, the fair will now be held 1–4 July at the Taipei Nangang Exhibition Center.

Art Basel's next online event, OVR: Miami Beach, will take place as planned from 2–6 December. —[O]