The Inaugural Edition of Paris Photo in New York Is the Latest Art Fair to Be Postponed Amid the Coronavirus Outbreak

The much-anticipated inaugural edition of Paris
Photo in New York, the top-flight photography fair meant to
debut at Pier 94 in early April, is the latest art event to be
called off amid concerns about the global coronavirus epidemic.
After the World Health Organization announced this morning that it
would officially designate the outbreak as a pandemic, fair
organizer Reed Exhibitions announced it would push the fair to a
later, to-be-determined date.

Organizers said they came to the “difficult decision” after
“careful consideration” and “comprehensive discussions with
galleries and partners.” The new date, they added, would be
announced as soon as possible. The fair did not immediately
respond to an inquiry about how much dealers would be refunded for
booth fees already paid.

Reed Exhibitions took the measure in consultation with the
Association of International Photography Art Dealers, its partner
in the event, and “in alignment with advice from US public health
authorities, regarding travel to and from impacted countries.” The
organizers said they are convinced the postponement is in the best
interest of galleries, collectors, and art enthusiasts alike.

“We were all very excited to launch this first edition of
Paris Photo New York in March, and to build another bridge in the
art scene between our two continents,” said Michel Filzi,
president of Reed Expositions France, in a statement. This first
edition “has had an overwhelming welcome from the photo art
galleries and editors.”

Just last month, the organization unveiled an exciting
lineup of 126 galleries and 47 publishers from 24 countries.
Art critic and author Antwaun Sargent was tapped to guest curate
the “[RE]Emergence” sector, which was to focus on emerging
talent.

Paris Photo is the world’s biggest dedicated photography fair.
Founded in 1997, it launched a Los Angeles
version in 2013. Fair owner Reed Exhibitions cancelled the
fourth LA edition just months before it was
due to open, citing lackluster sales. With a new location in
America’s photography capital and the backing of AIPAD,
expectations for the New York event—which was to replace the
long-running Photography Show—were high.

Reed Expositions France “will be doing our utmost to help all
our customers and their partners to prepare for the upcoming
edition.” Filzi said.

Moving forward, all eyes are on other spring New York fairs to
see whether they will follow suit. In a statement, a spokesperson
for Frieze New York said the organization was currently taking a
“wait-and-see” approach.

“Our top priority is the health and safety of our gallerists,
attendees and staff. We are proceeding with our preparations for
Frieze New York while monitoring the situation closely in
partnership with local, state and federal health officials,” a rep
for the fair said. “We are also following CDC guidelines closely to
ensure a safe environment for everyone involved in the fair.”

The post The Inaugural Edition of Paris Photo in New York Is
the Latest Art Fair to Be Postponed Amid the Coronavirus
Outbreak appeared first on artnet News.