Coronavirus postpones Art Dubai 2020

Participants and visitors during Art Dubai 2019, in UAE.

Scheduled for March 25-28, 2020, the 14th edition of a yearly international fair, Art Dubai, has been postponed as part of the containment measure for the deadly and spreading coronavirus.

A statement jointly signed by Benedict Floyd, CEO;
Pablo del Val, Artistic Director; and
Chloe Vaitsou, International Director has announed plans for what was described "as new Dubai-focused programme in its place."

Explaining the postponement, the organisers stated: "In consideration of the on-going global health implications of the Coronavirus and having consulted with our partners and stakeholders, Art Dubai today announces that the 14th edition of the international art fair, scheduled for 25 - 28th March 2020, will be postponed." They noted that  the essential role the fair plays in promoting local and regional artists.would not make the already scheduled dates go without any events. "We have made the decision to stage a programme tailored to the local cultural community instead, including existing fair programme contributors and thought-leaders," the statement added. "The new format is planned to run on the same dates, and will present events, exhibitions, talks and strands of the existing Art Dubai programme."

Listed in the programmes are local and regional gallery presentations, Global Art Forum, Residents and Campus Art Dubai. "The goals and ambitions for this re-configured programme maintain our objective to deliver commercial, institutional and critical engagement with Dubai’s art ecosystem – a commitment of support to our local community that we felt an imperative to uphold."
 However, an assurance of further details of the programme has been given.  For those who may be attending the announced programmes, an advice was issued: "With Dubai deploying the strictest medical and hygiene protocols, we will welcome international visitors in March, recommending that individuals follow advice from the authorities of their resident countries.

 "Lastly, we would also like to express our sincere thanks for all the support and understanding we have received from our partners and friends over the past week. Our thoughts are with everyone globally who has been affected by the virus."