Purpose-built venue to host Art Dubai from Mar.29
DUBAI: The Art Dubai 2021 will take place under the iconic Gate Building at Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), Dubai, in a purpose-built venue with adjusted dates for the event from Mar.29 –Apr.3.
The new purpose-built structure will house around 45 galleries, and will run for an extended six days. This will offer greater flexibility to visitors, whilst enabling the organisers to more efficiently regulate the number of people attending the fair at any point in time, in accordance with the necessary safety and social distancing measures.
The arts sector has, like so many others, been heavily impacted by the events of the last 12 months, thus the organisers have taken into account a wide range of factors and remain confident in producing a physical edition of this year’s fair.
Their new plan takes into account health and safety protocols, travel and other Covid-related restrictions, along with the continued commitment from the local community who wish to atend an in-person art event.
The decision to introduce a booking system through the event’s new app to operate on an appointment-only basis or open as normal will be taken closer to the fair, guided by the latest advice.
In view of the UAE having the second most advanced vaccination programme in the world, the organisers are hopeful that by the end of March they 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.
The new location will also allow the organisers to take advantage of the many facilities DIFC offers, including the region’s best restaurants, for the wider programming.
Keeping in mind that international travel restrictions will continue to have an impact on galleries’ ability to physically atend the fair, the organisers will make arrangements for Remote Participation Programme that will enable galleries to virtually present their physical exhibitions and allow visitors in Dubai to experience artworks in person. An updated list of participating galleries will be announced later this month.