FILE- In this Dec. 6, 2018, file photo, two people look at the artist Hajar Benjida's project called "Young Thug as Paintings" at the Scope Miami Beach gallery during Art Basel in Miami Beach, Fla. According to a statement released Wednesday, Sept. 2, 2020, the Art Basel fair, known for glamorous parties and celebrity sightings, is cancelling its annual Miami event amid the coronavirus pandemic. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson, File)
September 02, 2020 - 12:38 PM
MIAMI - The high brow Art Basel fair, known for glamorous parties and celebrity sightings, on Wednesday announced the cancellation of its annual Miami event amid the coronavirus pandemic.
The prestigious December art fair draws collectors, socialites and celebrities from around the world. But the pandemic's impact on international travel restrictions and other quarantine factors left little choice but to postpone the event until 2021, according to a statement from the organization.
“We know how crucial our show is for our galleries, as well as for the greater Miami arts community and economy ... and look forward to returning to Miami Beach next year to deliver a successful show,” said Noah Horowitz, director of Americas for Art Basel.
Officials for the fair said they are committed to supporting the global art community during such momentous challenges and are launching digital initiatives in addition to the 2021 shows in Hong Kong, Basel, Switzerland and Miami.
In December, the fair plans to unveil “Online Viewing Rooms” that will be open to the galleries accepted to this year's Miami fair.
News from © The Associated Press, 2020