The Art Dealers Association of America (ADAA) has announced the cancellation of the 2025 edition of The Art Show, one of New York’s most respected art fairs, marking the first such pause since its founding in 1988. Organizers are calling the move a “strategic pause,” not a permanent cancellation.

In an email sent to members this week, the ADAA emphasized that the decision was made with “long-term sustainability” and future growth in mind. The message, first reported by Artnews, conveyed the association’s intention to reassess the fair’s format to better align with a shifting cultural and market environment.

“This is a pause, not a cancellation of the fair,” an ADAA spokesperson clarified in a statement to The Art Newspaper. “This decision was not a response to financial pressure, nor was it a reflection of exhibitor interest—our members remain deeply engaged and committed.”

Organizers have already informed all participating galleries of the cancellation and initiated the process for refunding exhibitor fees. The ADAA confirmed that The Art Show will reconvene in 2026 with a refreshed approach and renewed vision.

The annual fair, traditionally held at the Park Avenue Armory, has long been a cornerstone of New York’s fall art calendar, drawing collectors, curators, and art lovers alike. The association stated that the temporary pause “allows us to evaluate how best to support our members, partners, and the broader arts community in an evolving cultural and market landscape.”

As the art world continues to adapt post-pandemic and amid shifting market dynamics, this move signals the ADAA’s commitment to remaining responsive and future-forward in its programming.