Art Fairs respond to global coronavirus worries

With the threat of coronavirus seemingly growing on a daily basis, art fairs with international clienteles are being forced to postpone their events. Here’s what we know so far.

If we’re to believe what we’re told in the media, the outbreak of coronavirus in China has slowed significantly. But with South Korea, Italy, Iran, Australia, the US, and others continuing to report daily increases in confirmed cases within their respective nations, global trepidations are still very much alive. The latest industry to take precautionary action against the spread is Art and Design; specifically art fairs and exhibitions that encourage multicultural congregation.

Currently, there’s no global consensus on what should be done with these events, and instead each institution has been left to weigh up personal risk against profitability, with the public left to make their own judgements, for the most part.

If you’re keen to engross yourself in the arts in the coming weeks and months, here’s the dl from the marquee fairs and events that have confirmed their stance so far.

The Armory Show – also known the International Exhibition of Modern Art – is set to go ahead next Wednesday despite growing concerns in NYC, according to a new statement, and the Art Dealers Association of America (ADAA) is already underway in East Manhattan. However, the event body asserts that they’re continuing to ‘monitor the evolving situation surrounding the coronavirus’.

The European Fine Art Fair (TEFAF) in the Netherlands has already increased ‘precautionary measures’, including daily cleaning services and ample sanitation stations for the public. They boldly maintain that the venue is green lit for visitors. Again, this stance could change quickly after liaisons with local health authorities, so keep your eyes peeled and your ticket receipts handy if the TEFAF was in your wheelhouse this month.