Art Basel's September 2020 edition faces uncertainty amid Swiss COVID-19 regulations

Swiss authorities haven't yet released clear rules for events with up to 1,000 people, and any updates on the current ban are expected only after June 24. This uncertainty puts the September 2020 Art Basel in jeopardy, which was moved from June due to COVID-19. Organizers reached out to exhibitors in a letter acknowledging the situation and promising news by the end of the upcoming week. The initial June 1 commitment deadline for galleries is now irrelevant. Signed by Marc Spiegler and Andreas Bicker, the letter received mixed feedback from gallerists—some were excited, while others were concerned. The fair's 50th anniversary is now set for September 17–20, with previews on September 15–16. Organizers are offering refunds if the event is canceled due to the pandemic, and they will also carry over a portion of fees from the canceled Hong Kong fair to 2021. Additionally, Art Basel will host another online viewing event from June 19–26, starting with a private preview on June 17. Other major art events, like Frieze New York and Masterpiece London, have also been canceled due to the pandemic.