Frieze New York, which was originally set to run from May 7 to 10 at Randall’s Island Park in New York, has canceled its event due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Frieze have offered its nearly 200 exhibitors 100% refunds, as well as returning any other money paid in advance for booth construction and other fees. In an email sent to exhibitors by the fair’s top three executives, refunds will take place in two different segments: the first payment will take place on May 20th and the remainder on June 20th.
Frieze NY also announced that they will be launching online viewing rooms in place of hosting a physical fair. The platform, which was already in progress will include both an app and a website.
“The Frieze Viewing Room gives new and established collectors, museum professionals, and the public the ability to digitally explore and acquire art…” the email from Frieze organizers read. “We hope that the refund and the Frieze Viewing Room will provide support for your business during this difficult and unprecedented time, and we remain at your disposal should you have any questions.”
Also in their email the organisers said,
“As you know, this is a very challenging time and we face similar issues to many galleries and other businesses. If your circumstances allow, we hope you will consider rolling over the second payment into Frieze New York 2021 or to one of our other fairs to which you are selected to participate. Those who choose this option will benefit from additional incentives.”
One such incentive would be that galleries could lock in the price-per-square-footage that had been planned for this year’s fair. @friezeartfair
