HELVOIRT.- In March 2013 TEFAF announced that it had entered into exclusive discussions with Sotheby’s to explore the possibility of developing a high-end art fair in China via Sotheby’s Joint Venture in Beijing with GeHua. Over the past few months TEFAF, with Sotheby’s assistance, was able to develop a detailed proposal for exhibitors to consider, which had the support and co-operation of the Chinese authorities and fulfilled all the local requirements.

Although the art market in China is growing rapidly and there is considerable belief in its potential, the feedback from many dealers indicates that the majority feels that exhibiting in mainland China is something that they would consider at a later date. While the interest in and the appetite for Western art is undoubtedly growing, there is a belief that the market for many of the specialisations represented at Maastricht is still evolving.

The Executive Committee and the Board of Trustees of TEFAF Maastricht have therefore reluctantly concluded that a high-end art fair, as presently envisaged, in Beijing is not viable at the current time.

TEFAF is universally regarded as the world’s leading art fair, setting the standard for excellence in the art market. The Fair truly is an event not to be missed by collectors and museum representatives.

Presenting 260 of the world’s leading galleries from 20 countries, TEFAF Maastricht is a continuously evolving showcase for the best works of art currently on the market. In addition to the traditional areas of Old Master Paintings and antique Works of Art, you can see and buy at TEFAF Maastricht a wide variety of Classical Modern and Contemporary Art, as well as Jewellery, 20th Century Design and Works on Paper.

TEFAF Maastricht is unequalled in its level of quality and in the methods it employs to establish and guarantee the authenticity of every painting and object on offer. Participating dealers are admitted only after a strict selection process. TEFAF Maastricht’s ground breaking vetting system involves no fewer than 175 international experts in 29 different categories, who examine every work of art in the Fair for quality, authenticity and condition, ensuring that you can buy with the greatest possible confidence. - See more at: http://www.tefaf.com/DesktopDefault.aspx?tabid=18#sthash.XYJDAe7k.dpuf