With fears for public safety due to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) global outbreak, the organisers behind TEFAF Maastricht have decided the fair will be shortened.
In close consultation with the city of Maastricht, the health authorities, and MECC Maastricht, TEFAF has decided to shorten the fair and to close by the end of the day, March 11, 2020, at 7 pm.
While the health advice of the authorities in the immediate region has not changed, we understand the situation in the Netherlands and neighbouring countries is changing.
The fair has also taken into account the growing concern of exhibitors, visitors and staff and the ever-growing difficulties regarding travel and transport.
Nanne Dekking, Chairman of the board of trustees at TEFAF, said, “Given the recent developments in the regions around Maastricht and increasing concerns, we no longer feel it is appropriate to continue as planned.
We want to thank our exhibitors, visitors and staff for their trust and support in this unprecedented situation. The TEFAF community has always excelled in bringing the best art in the world to Maastricht; we are proud to have witnessed how professional and how united our TEFAF family stood during this fair and unprecedented circumstances.”
Annemarie Penn te Strake, Mayor of the city of Maastricht, adds: “I support and respect this decision. We understand the unrest is growing due to circumstances in the countries of origin and the regions surrounding us.
It’s only right that there is attention to this concern. We are proud of our many years of partnership with TEFAF and know that this strong bond also helps us through difficult times.”
TEFAF will issue another statement regarding all logistical questions shortly. For more information, visit www.tefaf.com.