Art Basel Miami Beach has announced a number of new initiatives for its 2009 fair, scheduled for December 3–6.

To start, the main exhibition floor has been reorganized, giving dealers larger booths. Emerging artists, who had previously occupied shipping containers along the waterfront, will move inside to the middle of the hall. The space formerly occupied by the containers will be used for a three-dimensional environment, designed by multimedia artist Pae White, that will include piazzas and a performance platform. Within this “social space,” as it’s called, the fair will present discussions, concerts, and performances.

With 15 percent of last year's dealers dropping out this year, heavy competition from other fairs, and the economy still resolutely uncertain, one could see the changes as an effort to retain dealers and buyers. But a representative for the fair pointed out to ARTINFO that the reorganization has long been in the works, and that dealer numbers are actually up, with a number of new dealers replacing those who have chosen not to return.