Liste Art Fair Cancels 2020 Physical Edition Due to COVID-19 Surge, Moves Online

Liste Art Fair has canceled its 2020 physical edition, citing a resurgence of COVID-19 cases across Europe that made proceeding with the event impossible. The fair had previously secured a new venue and focused on European exhibitors and visitors, even as other Basel fairs like Art Basel and June Art Fair had already announced they would not hold physical events this year. Switzerland's easing of lockdown restrictions led to an increase in infections, with daily cases rising from around ten in mid-June to over 100 by the time of the cancellation. The country has recorded more than 33,800 confirmed COVID-19 cases and nearly 1,700 deaths. Travel restrictions for high-risk countries were affecting an increasing number of European nations, preventing many exhibitors from traveling to Basel. Instead, Liste will present an online iteration called Liste Showtime from September 11 to 20, featuring 72 galleries each showcasing one artist from their program. The decision was driven by growing concerns about health and safety among the fair, its galleries, and partners.