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With ongoing uncertainty surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic, both in Australia and internationally, Melbourne Art Fair has today announced the cancellation of the 2021 edition and will focus on delivering an exceptional art fair to mark the start of the Australasian cultural season in 2022 from 17th to 20th February at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre.

Melbourne Art Fair is one of the oldest art fairs in the Asia Pacific region. Started by a group of galleries in 1988, the fair is steered by a committed team and the Melbourne Art Foundation board of directors with the not for profit mandate to support and promote contemporary art and living artists. The foundation generates revenue to host the Melbourne Art Fair and to invest in curatorial and commercial opportunities for living artists. Its existence is defined by its mission which is focused on supporting the commercial gallery sector and more broadly to raise the public consciousness for contemporary art. 

Melbourne Art Foundation Chief Executive and Fair Director, Maree Di Pasquale says that they will continue their work to support living artists during the interim period and collaborate with galleries and partners to present audiences with the best of contemporary art through online channels.

“Although we remain positive for the future of our sector, far too many uncertainties remain to go ahead as planned next February. We are however committed to the Victorian summer timeslot and look forward to welcoming the artworld and art loving public safely to Melbourne Art Fair in February 2022 for a true celebration of contemporary art and ideas.”

Melbourne Art Fair is funded by the Victorian State Government through Creative Victoria and the Australian Government through The Australia Council for the Arts, its arts funding and advisory body.

Image: David Rosetszky, Composite Acts, 2019, Film Still | Courtesy the Artist & Sutton Gallery. This project is supported by the City of Melbourne arts grants program..

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