07/11/2001

The premiere of Art Basel Miami Beach will be postponed for one year. The current situation in the United States has forced the show management to refrain from carrying out the International Art Show, which was scheduled to take place from December the 13th–16th, 2001, in Miami Beach. The reason for this is the unpredictable prolongation of unsafe circumstances in the U.S. since the September the 11th terrorist attacks, warnings of potential attacks in the future, the anthrax incidents, and the current state of war. The related dangers and increased difficulties in air travel as well as goods traffic and art insurance render it impossible to stage the international top event in Miami Beach this coming December. Responsibility and concern regarding the safety and wellbeing of clients and partners from around the globe (exhibitors, visitors, sponsors, media representatives and cultural institutions) has compelled the show management to take this measure. Over 150 of the world’s leading galleries as well as about 50 art journals and cultural institutions were confirmed to participate in the First Art Basel Miami Beach. The postponement of Art Basel Miami Beach has financial repercussions for MCH Swiss Exhibition, Ltd, the organizing company, which anticipates a loss of around $ 4,000,000 (€ 4,460,719). (James Goulder)