Malaysia's Art Expo postponed to October 2021 due to pandemic

'This is a difficult decision, but the best possible one after weighing all available options in the interest of our exhibitors, artists, guests and staff,' says Sim, who adds Art Expo Malaysia is scheduled to return next October. Photo: Art Expo Malaysia

This year’s edition of the Art Expo Malaysia (AEM), South-East Asia’s longest running art fair, has been postponed to next year.

According to Sim Pojinn, Art Expo co-founder and fair director, the 14th edition of the art fair will now take place at the Matrade Exhibition and Convention Centre in Kuala Lumpur from Oct 8-10, 2021, with a preview day on Oct 7. It was originally supposed to be held in October this year.

“This is a difficult decision, but the best possible one after weighing all available options in the interest of our exhibitors, artists, guests and staff. As one of the major annual (art) events in South-East Asia, we have the responsibility to ensure that everyone is protected while mitigating our partners’ risks during these unprecedented times, ” says Sim.

Sim also added there are plans to revamp AEM, giving it a new presentation and more audience engagement for next year. Some 60 galleries from 15 countries around the world took part in last year's edition.

“We look forward to welcome our guests and visitors next year to Art Expo, where we will bring the art communities together again to unveil a reimagined space for the exhibitions,” says Sim.

Held annually, AEM is one of the leading art fairs in the region, and features some of the biggest names in art from top galleries in Asia and beyond.