The Swiss organisers of a major art fair due to take place next month in Miami have postponed the event in the wake of the September 11 attacks.

"Art Basel Miami Beach" is billed as a new sister event to one of Europe's biggest showcases for contemporary art, which takes place every year in Basel.

In a statement, the organisers announced that its debut had been postponed for one year, saying "the associated dangers as well as the difficulties in air travel and shipping make it impossible" for the fair to go ahead this year as planned.

The statement added that the decision, taken with great regret, was necessary "because of the uncertain situation in the United States in view of past and possibly future terrorist assaults, anthrax attacks and the state of war".

Five galleries had already cancelled, while others "from all continents" were requesting the delay.

Over 150 of the world's leading galleries were due to exhibit 20th and 21st century works by more than 1,000 artists in what was described as an event which would make Art Basel Miami Beach the most important art show on the American continent and a cultural and social highlight of the Americas.

The cost to the organisers of the postponement is estimated at about SFr4 million.

swissinfo with agencies

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