TEFAF Shuts Down Its Maastricht Fair Four Days Early After an Exhibitor Tests Positive for Coronavirus

In an abrupt about-face due to fast rising concerns about the
spread of the coronavirus, organizers of the annual TEFAF show in
Maastricht, the Netherlands, announced today that this year’s
edition will close for good at 7 p.m. today, four days earlier than
planned.

The decision came after The Art Newspaper
reported earlier today that an unidentified exhibitor from
Italy, who returned to his country on Monday, March 8, had been
diagnosed with COVID-19.

The move is a major blow for the world’s leading Old Master
fair, for which exhibitors—which numbered 285 this year—famously
hold back prized masterworks in order to debut them at the event.
It’s also a blow to the region’s economy, which employs hordes of
locals to support the fair ranging from caterers and servers, to
fair greeters and guides, to cleaners and drivers.

In a statement, a spokesperson for TEFAF said it made the
decision to “shorten the fair to close by the end of the day” in
close consultation “with the city of Maastricht, the health
authorities, and MECC,” the recently renovated Maastricht
Exhibition and Convention Centre where the fair is held each
year.

Compared with other art fairs, which typically run a maximum of
five days, TEFAF has a longer run of over a week, which is matches
the slower pace of buying for Old Master collectors and
museums.

“Given the recent developments in the regions around Maastricht
and increasing concerns, we no longer feel it is appropriate to
continue as planned,” TEFAF chairman Nanne Dekking said in the
statement. “We want to thank our exhibitors, visitors and staff for
their trust and support in this unprecedented situation.”

Maastricht mayor Annemarie Penn te Strake said: “I support and
respect this decision. We understand the unrest is growing due to
circumstances in the countries of origin and the regions
surrounding us. It’s only right that there is attention to this
concern.”

TEFAF said it will issue another statement regarding all
logistical questions soon.

The post TEFAF Shuts Down Its Maastricht Fair Four Days
Early After an Exhibitor Tests Positive for Coronavirus
appeared first on artnet News.