• Issue
  • Mar 01, 2020

117 Main News: Covid-19 Forces Delays and Cancellations

Art Basel Hong Kong 2020 is one of many events that has been called off due to the spread of Covid-19. Installation view of Art Basel Hong Kong, 2019. Photo by Esther Chan for ArtAsiaPacific.

The outbreak and spread of the novel coronavirus (Covid-19) from China’s Hubei province has compelled numerous cultural organizations across Asia to postpone or delay events. Art Basel and its parent company MCH Group announced on February 6 that the region’s biggest event of the season, Art Basel Hong Kong, scheduled to take place at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC) from March 19 to 21 with nearly 240 international galleries, was canceled. The Art Central fair, which typically runs concurrently at the Central Harbourfront with around 80 international galleries, also nixed its 2020 edition. Organizers of both events cited health and safety concerns for workers and guests, severe logistical challenges in mounting the fairs, and travel restrictions and quarantines.


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