February 4, 2021 

Art Basel in Hong Kong © Art Basel 

It has been a year into the COVID-19 pandemic outbreak. Vaccine rollouts are underway in dozens of countries, yet it seems like the return of large-scale events will still have to be on hold. Art Basel has announced the postponement of its 2021 Hong Kong fair to May at November 17, 2020. In a statement, Art Basel said, 'this decision was taken in close consultation with gallerists, collectors, partners, and external experts, with the goal of ensuring that the fair will be attended by the largest possible number of collectors, curators, and arts professionals from Art Basel's global network, while protecting the health and safety of everyone concerned.'

The COVID-19 pandemic situation still limits to traveling businesspeople. But, organizers of the Art Basel Hong Kong fair, due to take place from May 21 to 23, have dreamed up a new approach to remain on schedule: offering exhibitors the opportunity to participate in the fair even if travel restrictions make their physical attendance impossible.

Enter: the ghost booth.

The smaller size ghost booth will have a flat rate of $9,500; the larger option is priced at $11,500. Art Basel said each size would be fully equipped and include an assistant to “facilitate connection between visitors and the gallery.” Depending on the number of galleries that take them up on the option, the booths might be either grouped together or sprinkled across the show.

Organizers also reminded exhibitors of an existing “joint-booth option” within the main galleries sector, where two or more exhibitors can participate in a single booth of any size.

Art Basel in Hong Kong © Art Basel 

Bringing every year a fresh mix of galleries from six continents featuring artwork by established as well as new-comer artists from across the globe, Art Basel Hong Kong is recognized as the premier art event in Asia. Art Basel Hong Kong will now take place at Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre from May 21 to May 23, 2021, with Preview Days on May 19 to May 20. The art fair will bring the art world together again as galleries, artists, collectors and art lovers from across Asia and the world flock to one of the most prestigious international art events.