NADA cancels New York fair amid independent art market pressures

NADA, the nonprofit New Art Dealers Alliance, has canceled its New York edition, originally scheduled for March, to focus on supporting member galleries during Armory Show week. Executive director Heather Hubbs stated the decision allows time to develop new initiatives that better serve evolving gallery needs. The cancellation follows similar moves by PULSE and Moving Image, highlighting growing difficulties for small and mid-sized galleries to afford fair participation. Concurrently, MCH Group CEO René Kamm resigned after Swatch withdrew from Baselworld, which saw exhibitors halve from 1,300 in 2017 to 650 in 2018. MCH Group assured Art Basel remains unaffected and financially solid, citing Asian expansion since 2011. In response to fair costs, alternative models have emerged: Frame debuted during Basel art week, founded by 13 galleries to counter organizational and economic pressures, and Felix will launch in Los Angeles alongside Frieze, promising lower participation fees. MCH Group also announced Art SG, a new Singapore fair from November 1-3, 2019, involving 80 galleries at Marina Bay Sands.