Art Dubai to be held from March 29 – April 3 at DIFC

Organisers of the region’s biggest art fair, Art Dubai, have confirmed that the event will take place from Monday, March 29 – Saturday, April 3. The 2021 edition was originally scheduled to take place from March 17-23.

It will be held at an all-new purpose-built venue at the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC).

The show’s organisers have said that they have taken into consideration all Covid-19 precautionary measures when deciding to conduct this year’s event.

“Having consulted all our stakeholders, we remain confident in producing a physical edition of this year’s fair. Our new plan takes into account health and safety protocols, travel and other Covid-related restrictions, along with the continued commitment from our local community who wish to attend an in-person art event.”

.@artdubai‘s 2021 edition to take place from 29 March to 3 April 2021, in a purpose-built venue hosted by @DIFC
https://t.co/UkfAy9Zrfy pic.twitter.com/tdUNpFu1Ik

— Dubai Media Office (@DXBMediaOffice) February 22, 2021

The new structure in DIFC will house around 45 galleries. The directors of the show are yet to decide whether the format for the show will be by-appointment or open to everyone.

“A booking system through our new app will enable us to operate on an appointment-only basis or open as normal, a decision we can take closer to the fair, guided by the latest advice,” Art Dubai’s directors said in a statement on their website.

“In view of the UAE having the second most advanced vaccination programme in the world, we are hopeful that by the end of March, we will be operating in a more open environment. However, additional programming and collateral exhibitions outside the fair will be subject to conditions at that time and will be announced closer to the fair.

With international travel restrictions in many countries around the world, Art Dubai has unveiled plans that will allow galleries from around the world to participate virtually.

“We are mindful that international travel restrictions will continue to have an impact on galleries’ ability to physically attend the fair. We are therefore pleased to announce our Remote Participation Programme that will enable galleries to virtually present their physical exhibitions and allow visitors in Dubai to experience artworks in person. We will announce our updated list of participating galleries later this month.”