Solaroca by Opavivara, Art Dubai Commissions 2019. Courtesy Photo Solutions
Due to the global coronavirus Art Dubai 2020 is postponed but they will stage a local programm during that days. So far 21 people are infected in the UAE. Recording to Arab News „there have been at least 1,641 cases of the virus in the Gulf region, mostly in Iran where 66 people have died.“ Last year 16.902 visited Art Dubai, „41 percent of whom were non-residents of Dubai whose primary reason for visiting the Emirate were for Art Dubai“ (Arabian Business).
Besides the art fair more major cultural concerts and events in the United Arab Emirates are canceled: Club Social on Abu Dhabi Yaz Island, the electronic music Ultra Festival in Abu Dhabi, Al Ain Yogafest, the K-Pop concert Music Bank in Dubai´s Coca Cola-arena and the Dubai International Boat Show is postponed to November.
(Press Release:) Art Dubai postpones 2020 art fair; announcing plans for new Dubai-focused programme in its place 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.
Given the essential role the fair plays in promoting local and regional artists, 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 new format is planned to run on the same dates, and will present events, exhibitions, talks and strands of the existing Art Dubai programme. These will include 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.
Further details of the programme will be announced in due course. 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.
Benedict Floyd, CEO
Pablo del Val, Artistic Director
Chloe Vaitsou, International Director