COVID-19 Disrupts Global Art Fairs and Institutions, Sparking Labor Disputes

The global COVID-19 pandemic has led to numerous cancellations and delays of significant cultural and art events. MCH Group, the parent entity of Art Basel, has postponed Baselworld, the watch fair that was to take place in April, due to Swiss government restrictions on large gatherings; however, Art Basel is still set for June. The Art Tokyo Association canceled Art Fair Tokyo, which was scheduled for March 20, while Art Dubai, planned for March 22–25, has been postponed indefinitely. The Venice Architecture Biennale, originally planned for May, has been rescheduled to run from August 29 to November 29, coinciding with the 77th Venice International Film Festival. Additionally, collector Patrizia Sandretto Re Rebaudengo has scrapped her plans for a contemporary art space in a former Madrid slaughterhouse due to structural concerns. In Kyiv, two nominees for the PinchukArtPrize 2020, Valentina Petrova and Pavel Grazhdansky, expressed their support for guides allegedly dismissed for unionizing efforts. A representative from Victor Pinchuk's foundation stated that guard contracts were not renewed to redefine guide roles, refuting allegations of unpaid meetings or sick leave, and highlighted a focus on enhancing visitor engagement. The Kyiv Post reported that guides are worried about their personal data being shared with Ukrainian security services.