The new digital initiative will offer exhibitors an additional platform to showcase artworks to Art Basel's global network of patrons, as well as new collectors and buyers. The first iteration of the Online Viewing Rooms will launch in March 2020, providing exhibitors the opportunity to present works they planned to show at Art Basel Hong Kong. The Online Viewing Rooms will be live from March 20 to March 25, 2020, with VIP preview days from March 18 to March 20, 2020.

The new digital initiative will run in parallel to the shows – rather than replacing the physical experience of an art fair – and will allow gallerists to showcase additional curated exhibitions of works not presented at the fair, each listed with a price range. For its first iteration, however, the concept has been adapted to allow exhibitors to present works intended for the cancelled Art Basel Hong Kong 2020. All galleries that were accepted to the 2020 Hong Kong show are invited to participate at no cost for the first edition.

Art Basel's Online Viewing Rooms will allow collectors to browse thousands of works, searching by galleries, artists, and medium, and directly contact the gallery with sales inquiries. Like the fairs, the showrooms will begin with a preview, accessible only to VIP card holders, followed by several days when the show rooms will be open to the public.

Marc Spiegler, Global Director, Art Basel said: ‘As the art market continues to evolve, Art Basel has continually investigated how new technologies can give us new opportunities to support our galleries. The Online Viewing Rooms will provide galleries with a further possibility for engaging with our global audiences, complementing the essential personal interactions that continue to underlie the art market.’

Adeline Ooi, Director Asia, Art Basel said: ‘We are delighted to be able to premiere this new initiative now. While the Online Viewing Rooms cannot replace our 2020 fair in Hong Kong, we firmly hope that it will provide a strong support to all the galleries who were affected by the cancellation of our March show.’

The Online Viewing Rooms will be available via the Art Basel website under artbasel.com/viewing-rooms and the Art Basel App. More details on participating galleries and their presentations will become available in the coming weeks.