Dealers back Art Basel Hong Kong cancellation over coronavirus; Hong Kong galleries see chance for local art to shine

The cancellation of Art Basel Hong Kong because of the coronavirus outbreak, announced early on Friday, won strong support from international art galleries that had been due to take part. Local art galleries vowed to press ahead with exhibitions timed to coincide with the fair.

With the death toll and infections from the coronavirus continuing to rise, mainly in China, Fabio Pink, a representative of Galerie Peter Kilchmann in Zurich, Switzerland, voiced relief at the decision, calling it “correct but also inevitable”.

“On the other hand it’s sad and frustrating, as we already invested so much work and energy into it. It is also a financial loss, as we will get only 75 per cent of the participating fees back,” he said.

Pink acknowledged that had next month’s contemporary art fair – the biggest of its kind in the region, which last year drew 88,000 visitors – not been cancelled, “costs in order to participate in the fair, lack of collectors visiting, and health concerns would have further added to losses”.

Adeline Ooi, director Asia of Art Basel, said the decision to cancel the March 17-21 fair at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre in Wan Chai – the centrepiece of what’s known as Hong Kong “art week” – had been a difficult one.

She said: “After a thorough assessment with gallerists, collectors, partners, committee members, and external experts – during which we carefully reviewed all possibilities, including postponing the fair – we had to conclude that cancelling the fair is the only viable option.”

Ooi said concern for the safety of staff and the public, logistical challenges, and international travel complexities – given airlines have suspended flights to China, some including Hong Kong – had been factors contributing to the decision.

Mira Dimitrova, director of sales at Stephen Friedman Gallery in London, concurred with the decision, and is looking forward to next year’s edition of the annual fair. “We know what a difficult decision this would have been for the Art Basel team but believe it is the right one in these unprecedented circumstances,” she says. “We can’t wait to show in Hong Kong in 2021.”

South Korean gallery Kukje, which has exhibited at Art Basel Hong Kong since its launch in 2013, said: “We fully respect and concur with the committee's extremely difficult yet necessary decision.”

A smaller fair, Art Central, due to run between March 18 and 22, has also been called off.

While disappointed at the cancellations, Hong Kong gallery owners say they will unite to try to boost the Hong Kong art scene during “art week”. Most will proceed with exhibitions as scheduled.

Fabio Rossi, founder of Rossi Rossi Gallery in Wong Chuk Hang and co-president of the Hong Kong Art Gallery Association (HKAGA), said in a statement that Art Basel had taken a sensible decision. He sees the fair’s cancellation as a chance for Hong Kong’s art scene to shine and to stage an alternative event.

“Hong Kong’s art scene is much more than two fairs and the auctions; it is a vibrant, creative and diverse scene made up of commercial galleries, public spaces, artists,” he said.

“The impact of the cancellation for the local and regional galleries will obviously be substantial, as March had become the time of the year for not just commercial sales but also for networking opportunities with an international audience of collectors and curators.

“However, with challenges come opportunities. HKAGA is committed to supporting the local art scene and to refocus attention on what exists in the city.”

Fred Scholle and Kelvin Yang, of Galerie du Monde in Central, said: “The fair will be greatly missed but we know it will be back next year stronger than ever.”

Katie de Tilly, founder of 10 Chancery Gallery in Central and honorary chairwoman of the HKAGA, said: “It is a time to come together to find ways to overcome the current crisis and behold a better future. Business will suffer but there is always light at the end of every tunnel. The coronavirus will pass and Art Basel Hong Kong will return next year,” she said.

“The question is how can we as a society come together and create a more understanding world rather than one of fear?”

De Tilly emphasised the role art and artists could play at a difficult time. “Art has a special way of analysing the way we are thinking and feeling as a whole. It is an important moment for artists the world over,” she said.

International galleries with a presence in the city are also showing support for the region.

Claudia Albertini, director of Italian gallery Massimo de Carlo's Hong Kong space, said: “We are standing with Hong Kong and the region. We want to keep spirits up and our chins high, which is why the gallery is open every day.”

Laura Zhou, director of White Cube Hong Kong, said the UK-headquartered gallery “remains confident in the resilience of Hong Kong and the wider region”.

“In moments like this, the local and international community must stand united,” Zhou added.