Art Basel 2021 To Move Forward in Switzerland This September
Following strict COVID-19 restrictions enforced by the Swiss government.
Art Basel’s 50th edition flagship fair in Switzerland has been confirmed to run from September 20 to 26, with strict COVID-19 restrictions enforced by the Swiss government.
Abiding by the pandemic regulations, VIP collectors are to be fully vaccinated, provide a recent negative COVID-19 test, or show proof of sufficient antibodies after recovering from the virus as per an email sent out by fair officials confirming the event’s schedule. Capacity will be limited at 20 percent less than previous years, with one-third fewer tickets to be sold during the public viewing days “to ensure spacious circulation.” The sought-after public art trail that flows around Basel, Parcours, shall continue on this year as well.
After a successful run of Art Basel in Hong Kong, which hosted 30,000 visitors, the “hologram” initiative will also take place in the Switzerland fair to connect dealers outside of the country with VIP collectors. The Art Basel Live digital platform will continue on which includes online viewing rooms, live virtual VIP walkthroughs and a service called the Show Experience Assistants.
“This service was launched at Art Basel Hong Kong and offers VIPs who cannot attend the fair in person the opportunity to experience the show floor virtually. It is a bespoke 1:1 service,” stated a spokeswoman for Art Basel. “The Show Experience Assistant arranges a zoom, or other communication channel depending on the VIP, and helps them view specific works and discover artists and presentations, as well as facilitate introductions to specific galleries.”
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