Australasia’s most progressive forum for contemporary art and ideas, Melbourne Art Fair, has announced a free virtual art fair taking place from 1 – 7 June 2020.
While the physical fair slated for this year is rescheduled to February 2021, Melbourne Art Foundation is partnering with OCULA for a digital platform titled Melbourne Art Fair Viewing Rooms to show the new and iconic work online that was originally intended for the fair’s 2020 edition.
Viewing Rooms will give visitors the opportunity to explore the virtual spaces of the region’s most esteemed galleries and discover exceptional art from home.
Melbourne Art Foundation CEO and Fair Director Maree Di Pasquale says they are supporting the arts community and giving the public an opportunity to peruse art through a digital fair experience.
“Melbourne Art Fair has always been a progressive forum and is adapting to the changing art landscape and situation we currently face. Although it’s disappointing the fair cannot take place as initially scheduled this year, we are bringing the experience to the public in a new and exciting way as we wait for the event in 2021,” she says.
“Our goal with the Viewing Rooms is to keep the art community connected and provide a channel for art to continue to be a part of our lives until we can view and absorb it again via traditional methods at galleries and fairs.”
“The platform we have created also puts the region’s best artists and galleries on the world stage as it’s now easier than ever for people from across the globe to enjoy what we have on offer.”
“We remain committed to supporting the industry during these difficult circumstances and are using this as an opportunity to unite contemporary galleries and living artists via our digital edition of the fair,” said Ms Di Pasquale.
Throughout the week, Melbourne Art Fair and its participating galleries will also host a series of digital experiences including artist studio visits, collector interviews and exhibition viewings on the platform.
The Melbourne Art Fair Viewing Rooms will be available to access for free by registering online. VIP access is open from 1 to 2 June 2020 with the general public able to view the platform from 3 to 7 June 2020.
Melbourne Art Fair is a biennial event with the postponed physical fair now set to take place at Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre from 4 – 7 February 2021. For more information, visit: www.melbourneartfair.com.au for details.
Image: Michael Zavros, Satyr with Pink and Green, 2019. oil on board – courtesy of Sullivan + Strumpf