Amid widespread shifts in the art fair calendar due to the coronavirus pandemic, the Art Dealers Association of America (ADAA) has announced it will permanently reschedule its annual edition of The Art Show from February to November. The forthcoming edition of the fair will be held at the Park Avenue Armory from 3-7 November.
Anthony Meier, the vice president of the ADAA and chair of the fair’s committee, tells The Art Newspaper that organisers are “optimistic” that the fall rescheduling will offer “promising conditions” as logistical challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic hopefully begin to ease. “We have also found that ADAA members are enthusiastic about this new time slot for the long-term,” he adds.
The exhibitor list will be released closer to the fair date and applications will soon open to ADAA members, according to organisers. The ADAA anticipates it will be able to safely maintain the fair’s usual boutique scale, which typically includes around 70 galleries and dealers.
The fair has “always been so enjoyable for collectors because it’s manageably sized, spacious and easy to navigate, so we’re well-positioned to maintain the usual size and scale while creating a safe and comfortable experience for galleries and visitors”, Meier says. “Of course, we’re assessing all of our plans in line with public health and CDC guidelines, and are ready to adapt if and when needed.”
As part of an ongoing collaboration that has raised more than $33m, all proceeds from admission to the fair and the preview benefit on 3 November will be donated to the Henry Street Settlement, a non-profit organisation that provides arts programmes, healthcare and other social services to New Yorkers.