Covid-19 Forces Delays and Cancellations
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.
In cities across China, the coronavirus outbreak caused new museums to delay their openings. In Beijing, the private X Museum pushed back its inaugural project,
