Taipei Dangdai Delays 2021 Fair

On September 10, Taipei Dangdai announced that due to uncertainties surrounding the current Covid-19 situation and related travel restrictions, its third edition originally slated for January 15–17 has been postponed to May 21–23. The art fair will return to the Taipei Nangang Exhibition Center.

While social distancing measures have been relaxed in Taiwan and the virus remains under control, Taipei Dangdai co-director Robin Peckham explained that the decision to postpone went ahead as “shifting our dates will provide a much better context for our galleries, collectors and members of the art world to make meaningful connections in person once again.” Co-director Magnus Renfrew also expressed that there has been a strong interest from both returning and new applicants, within Taiwan and internationally.

According to the press release, new initiatives will be introduced in the 2021 edition to encourage engagement between galleries and collectors, including collaborative projects with Taiwanese institutions and galleries, as well as the incorporation of online content with the Fair’s Ideas Forum. These changes were inspired by the Fair’s digital platform Taipei Connections, launched in May in collaboration with the gallery sales platform Ocula, and included virtual exhibitions and livestreamed artist interviews from more than 80 galleries. Details of the initiatives will be released in the coming months.

The delay of Taipei Dangdai 2021 follows days after the cancellation of the 2021 edition of Melbourne Art Fair, also due to ongoing complications from the pandemic. Taipei Dangdai will resume its January dates in 2022.

Taiwan recorded its first Covid-19 case on January 21, and experienced a peak in late-March with up to 27 new cases on March 20, however has not had any reports of local transmissions since mid-April. Those returning from abroad are required to undergo a 14-day quarantine period, while borders remain closed to international travelers. Masks are mandatory in places where social distancing is not possible, including public transportation and large-scale events. Art institutions are likewise operating with precautionary measures, including restricting the number of visitors and requiring face masks, body-temperature checks, and contact information upon entry.

Stephanie Siu is an editorial intern at ArtAsiaPacific.

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