SHANGHAI.-Regarded as “Visual Feast”, the 9th Shanghai Art Fair 2005 will graciously run from Nov. 16 thru. 20 in the venue of ShanghaiMART. Recently, the Committee releases good news for both visitors and exhibitors: to extend opening hours from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., which is believed to be absolutely welcomed.

The Committee expresses that the decision made to extend opening hours is responding to the public opinions. During recent several years, both the quality of Shanghai Art Fair’s exhibitors and quantity of visitors to the event has increased dramatically. Shanghai Art Fair has gained higher celebrity and influence, which attracts those “white-collar” who are interested in investing in arts. However, the regular office time (from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.) holds these potential buyers back in their job instead of going into the Shanghai Art Fair venue. They complain that the opening hours are too limited, and they can only choose to visit the Fair during crowded weekend. The demands for extending the opening hours are more and more urgent.

To satisfy the exhibitors, the Committee has decided to upgrade the people-oriented arrangement to open evening period. Meanwhile, relevant service such as providing Chinese and western style dining will be available. Exhibitors from local and overseas will conserve energy to look forward to the newly established principle. The Committee expects office ladies and gentlemen to come to the Fair after work to enjoy the luxuriant art feast in the evenings of this fall season. The Committee expresses that the considerate support from various fields of the society is the key to the brand of Shanghai Art Fair development. The Committee is grateful and tries to devote to the city’s promoting cultural and ideological progress. Like investing largely in developing world-class exhibition system in 2004, extending opening hours is also one of the feedbacks to the supporters. After the exhibition facilities reach the international standard, the Committee now is focusing on providing more and more value-added services.

The Committee also reminds all the friends: during the 5-day exhibition period, evening period will be available in the previous 4 day. On the final day Nov. 20, due to the demolishing process, the venue will be closed at 5 p.m.