Up until recently, the organizers behind Art Basel Miami beach were optimistically planning for the yearly art fair held in Miami in early December. They were organizing events and coordinating with galleries as per usual while putting into place the various quarantine regulations that would govern over how the the fair was attended.

Today, Art Basel released a statement formally cancelling the fair due to the pandemic.

Their decision came from a multitude of factors, not least that Florida has been COVID hotspot in the United States. Add to this restrictions placed on international travel, large-scale events and gatherings, as well as other quarantine regulations, too much logistical burden was placed on the fair with a high-risk of low attendance.

In a statement, Noah Horowitz, Director Americas, Art Basel said: “It is with great regret and disappointment that we announce the cancellation of our December show in Miami Beach, as we know how crucial our show is for our galleries, as well as for the greater Miami arts community and economy. We thank everyone who shared their perspectives and insights with us over the past months and weeks and look forward to returning to Miami Beach next year to deliver a successful show.”

The galleries that were selected to show at the fair will not have to pay booth fees and the application fees that have already been paid will go towards galleries’ 2021 fees.

The fair will, however, continue to host the fair virtually as it did for the Hong Kong and Basel editions through the online portals OVR:2020 and OVR:20c. The former is dedicated to works produced during 2020 and the viewing room will be open from September 23 to 26. The latter will show works created between 1900 and 1999 and will run from from October 28 to 31.

While details are yet to be released about the Online Viewing Rooms which will operate in place of the December fair they have confirmed it will be open to all galleries that were accepted for the 2020 Miami show.