Now, in an effort to be cautious and help prevent the further spread of the virus, several arts events have announced cancellations and postponements in Dallas. And though it was predominately just programming being cancelled initially, museums across Dallas-Fort Worth have begun announcing their closure to the public until further notice.
We’ll continue to update this list as we hear of more cancellations in our arts community.
Dallas Art Fair
The Dallas Art Fair, which had been scheduled for April 16 through April 19 at the Fashion Industry Gallery, has been postponed until October 1 through October 4 for its 12th edition.
“While the decision was not made easily, the health and wellbeing of the Dallas Art Fair’s gallerists, visitors, and staff are its top priority and the fair must make every effort to contain the spread of the virus,” said Dallas Art Fair Director Kelly Cornell.
Art Dallas Contemporary Art Fair
The Art Dallas Contemporary Art Fair was set to host its inaugural event from April 16 through April 19, but will wait to make their debut until April 2021 at Dallas Market Center.
"Due to concerns around coronavirus (COVID-19), and our concern for the health and safety of our exhibitors, attendees, staff and volunteers as a top priority, we have decided to postpone Art Dallas 2020 at Dallas Market Center. The fair will be rescheduled for April 2021, hosted at Dallas Market Center.”
2020 Nasher Prize Celebration Weekend
On April 2 through April 4, the 2020 Nasher Prize Celebration Weekend was set to celebrate Nasher Prize Laureate Michael Rakowitz. But, given the risk of the COVID-19 spreading, the event has been postponed until November 4 through November 6. All Nasher Prize public programs have been postponed to this date as well.
“We have greatly looked forward to celebrating the 2020 Nasher Prize Laureate Michael Rakowitz with you here in Dallas this April 2-4 for the Nasher Prize Celebration Weekend. However, given the risk that the spread of COVID-19 presents on a global level, and understanding the international nature of the Nasher Prize, which draws guests from all corners of the world to convene here in Dallas, we are postponing the Nasher Prize gala and its public ancillary events. The new dates for the 2020 Nasher Prize, including all Nasher Prize public programs, will be November 4-6, 2020. The graduate symposium will take place November 4; the Laureate lecture November 5; the Dialogues panel discussion on social practice on the morning of November 6; and the award gala the evening of November 6.”
Update: As of March 13, the Nasher has also canceled public programs until May. The museum galleries remain open during regular business hours.
Dallas Contemporary Gala
Dallas Contemporary’s annual gala is also postponed until further notice. The opening of Westwood Roversi will also be delayed.
“At this time we have made the difficult decision to postpone our annual fundraiser and Spring/Summer 2020 Gala until further notice,” Deputy Director of Dallas Contemporary Carolina Alvarez-Mathies tells PaperCity. “We are also going to be extending our current exhibitions and postponing our forthcoming ones [Vivienne Westwood and Paolo Roversi}. We are also postponing all public programs and school tours at this time.”
The Other Art Fair
Scheduled for May 7 through May 10 at Dallas Market Hall, The Other Art Fair has been postponed until further notice.
“After serious consideration, and in light of recent announcements from the CDC and World Health Organizations, The Other Art Fair regretfully announces the postponement of its Spring Fairs.”
Dallas Museum of Art Public Programs & Events
“In line with the Center for Disease Control’s (CDC) guidelines, we are canceling all Museum programs (on- and off-site) effective immediately through April 3, 2020. The Museum remains open during regular operating hours, and we will reassess the status and developments with the possibility of further revising operational plans.”
On Friday afternoon (March 13), the Museum’s annual fundraiser, Art Ball 55, was canceled. “And planning into the future, we look forward to celebrating with you on April 10, 2021 for a spectacular event.
Dwell with Dignity’s Thrift Studio
“Regarding the current Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak: Dwell with Dignity is closely monitoring and following the daily suggestions of local, state, and federal agencies- as such, Dwell with Dignity has made the decision to postpone the Thrift Studio Preview Party on Wednesday, April 1, 2020, as well as the accompanying Thrift Studio Pop-Up until later in the season. We will provide ongoing updates as they become available.”
Deep Ellum Arts Festival
The Deep Ellum Arts Festival has rescheduled its original April 3 through April 5 dates until September 11 through September 13.
“We have made the difficult decision to postpone the Deep Ellum Arts Festival scheduled for April 3-5 to new dates in September in light of new information on the COVID-19 (Coronavirus) released by city, state, and federal officials. We have been in close communication with the City of Dallas and have submitted our revised special event permit for Sept. 11-13. Our hearts and thoughts go out to all the people who have been affected by this unprecedented event and we appreciate the healthcare workers, local communities, and governments around the world who are on the front line working to contain this coronavirus.”
Dallas International Film Festival
Scheduled for April 16 through April 23, the Dallas International Film Festival is being postponed to a later date. “Dallas Film, which operates the Dallas International Film Festival powered by Capital One, is in the process of developing plans and intends to reschedule the event later this year.”
George W. Bush Presidential Center
“The George W. Bush Presidential Library and Museum will close to the public until further notice effective 5 p.m. Central Time on Friday, March 13. We are grateful to our community for a collective focus on health and safety in the weeks ahead. As we continue to monitor the situation, updates will be available at www.bushcenter.org and on all social media platforms at @thebushcenter.”
Perot Museum
The Perot Museum of Nature and Science is closed to the public until March 20.
“We have chosen to act proactively for the health and safety of our guests, our staff, the greater North Texas community and beyond – and our decision aligns with the public-health emergency declarations made by the City of Dallas, Dallas County, the State of Texas and the U.S. government.”
The Museum also invites the general public to watch via livestream the “Science Spotlight: COVID-19” panel discussion Sunday (March 15) at 2 p.m. The session will feature subject-matter experts from the medical and civic fields operating at the forefront of the Novel Coronavirus Disease 2019 here in North Texas.