The latest fair to be postponed due to coronavirus, Tefaf New York Spring, will be delayed until the autumn, running from 31 October to 4 November at the Park Avenue Armory. The event had been scheduled for 8-11 May, coinciding with Frieze New York, which was cancelled earlier this week.
The new autumn dates are normally occupied by its sister fair, Tefaf New York Fall, concentrating on art and antiques from antiquity to post-war, which will now be scrapped for 2020 as a consequence.
The sacrifice of the Tefaf Fall event in favour of the Modern and contemporary art and design-focused Spring fair—which features numerous blue-chip contemporary galleries such as David Zwirner and Hauser & Wirth—is arguably indicative of the latter event's greater success and the continued dominance of the Modern and contemporary market over that of pre-Modern art and antiques.
However, a Tefaf spokeswoman insists the Fall event is planned to return in 2021: "This is an unprecedented situation given the recent coronavirus pandemic, which is the only reason the scheduled fall fair will not take place this year. We of course hope to continue next year as planned." She adds: "All application fees for Fall 2020 applicants will be reimbursed."
Sofie Scheerlinck, Tefaf's managing director, says of the decision: "In light of the global coronavirus pandemic and the recently introduced travel restrictions we are all truly facing a unique situation. These unprecedented times are new to us all. While we cannot physically meet in these tough times, it is beautiful to see how our art community stands united. We would like to thank all our exhibitors, visitors, sponsors and partners for their understanding and support. Now is the time for us all to remain safe and healthy.”
• Find our ongoing and updated list of cancelled and postponed fairs here