Cover Following continued travel restrictions due to Covid-19, Art Basel Hong Kong will take place in May 2021. (Photo: Courtesy of Art Basel)

The decision to move the annual art fair from March 2021 to May comes amidst the ongoing impact of the pandemic and continued travel restrictions

It has been announced that Art Basel has made the decision to postpone its Hong Kong Fair––which was scheduled to take place in March 2021––to May 2021. The decision was made due to the ongoing impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, including continued travel restrictions. The 2021 edition is set to take place at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, from May 21–23, 2021, while the preview will take place from May 19–20, 2021.

The decision to further postpone the annual art event was taken in close consultation with gallerists, collectors, painters and external experts to ensure that the fair will be attended by the largest possible number of collectors, curators and art professionals from Art Basel's global network, at the same time, protecting the health and safety of attendees and organisers.

"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. We very much look forward to hosting our show in May next year and to welcoming gallerists, collectors, and art lovers back to Hong Kong at that time," said Adeline Ooi, Director Asia of Art Basel.

More details on the fair together with the participating galleries will be announced early next year.

Meanwhile, Hong Kong Spotlight by Art Basel is still going ahead on November 27–30, 2020 at Fine Art Asia. The event will showcase 22 Hong Kong-based galleries who have all participated in previous editions of Art Basel Hong Kong.

As for Art Basel's Online Viewing Rooms, the OVR: Miami Beach will take place from December 4–6 with VIP preview dates from December 2–4. It will feature leading international galleries who were accepted to the 2020 edition of the Miami Beach show.

See also: All The Galleries Participating In Hong Kong Spotlight By Art Basel