Art Basel has launched its first edition in Doha, Qatar, with a deliberately small and tightly controlled format. The fair features only 87 galleries, all required to mount solo presentations, with strict limits on booth size, power sources, and rehanging of works. This creates a slower, calmer atmosphere distinct from its larger, more chaotic sister fairs in Miami and Paris.
Art Basel has launched its first fair in Qatar, adopting a novel format distinct from its other global events. The fair, featuring 87 galleries, requires each to present only one artist and is spread across multiple venues in Doha's Msheireb cultural district, with an open-plan, museum-like layout and special commissioned projects. Artist Wael Shawky serves as artistic director, emphasizing curatorial coherence over commercialism.
The Aspen Art Fair will hold its third edition from July 29 to August 1, 2026, at the historic Hotel Jerome, now under the direction of Kelly Cornell. Cornell, who will continue to lead the Dallas Art Fair, plans to bring her dealer-focused approach to the Aspen event, emphasizing support for galleries as the core of the fair's success. Co-founder Bob Chase of Hexon gallery stressed the fair's intimate identity is tied to its venue, with no plans to expand beyond the Hotel Jerome's capacity.
The Frieze New York art fair will return to the Shed in Manhattan for its sixth edition this May, featuring 67 galleries. This marks the first edition since the fair's parent company was acquired by Ari Emanuel's Mari. The event will coincide with several other New York art fairs and major spring auctions, creating a competitive landscape for collectors' attention as it follows closely on the heels of the 2026 Venice Biennale opening.
Zona Maco, Latin America's largest art fair, has concluded its 2026 edition in Mexico City, reporting strong sales and significant international attendance. The fair featured over 200 galleries from more than 25 countries, with a notable focus on contemporary art from Latin America and a robust program of curated sections.