BRUSSELS.- On Wednesday 15 April 2020, the Belgian National Security Council extended the measures to combat coronavirus, including in its directives that no mass events can be organised until 31 August 2020.

The 38th edition of Art Brussels, which was to be held, as every year, in April at the emblematic Tour & Taxis site, was initially postponed until the end of June. Due to the recent Belgian government decision, Art Brussels is now forced, as a result of force majeure, to postpone the contemporary art fair until April 2021.

Art Brussels had assembled an exceptional edition this year with a strong selection of Belgian and international galleries, various high quality artistic projects, programmed in collaboration with engaged and well respected partners; including the main partner Degroof Petercam who planned to show the installation The Dreamers (2013) by Bill Viola, which had not previously been exhibited in Belgium. We are delighted to announce that an agreement has already been reached to present the project at the 2021 edition.

For Art Brussels everyone's health comes before any other consideration. Up until the final hour, the Art Brussels team stayed fully committed to the organisation of the fair and has never given up hope, but drastic measures are needed worldwide - they are crucial to avoid further fatalities.

Economically, the art world has been deeply impacted globally: artists, galleries, museum institutions, fairs and many others involved in numerous ancillary activities, are all suffering due to the damage from coronavirus but if all the world strictly adheres to the measures, a new, revitalised and undoubtedly more interesting art world could emerge.

Art Brussels is already making every effort to create the best version of itself in 2021. The fair benefits from a loyal audience, mostly national and from neighbouring countries; it can count on a number of collectors, art lovers and various actors from the art world and beyond who, as true ambassadors of Art Brussels, will undoubtedly be present in 2021. Until then, the fair will continue to play an active role on the international contemporary art stage. In 2021, Art Brussels will once again delight art lovers with a stimulating artistic program and exciting discoveries in contemporary art.