After shuttering classes in 2022, SFAI announces new nonprofit to protect legendary archives

1969 USA In Your Heart photo exhibit, Imogen Cunningham and Ruth Asawa

When the San Francisco Art Institute announced it would close its doors to students in 2022, the fate of its unparalleled archives became a key unanswered question to many in the arts community. For decades, SFAI stood as the city’s answer to Pratt, RISD, and Chicago’s School of the Art Institute. Over the course of its 150 year history, SFAI accumulated a collection of artwork, writings, and other priceless artifacts—such as correspondence with Ansel Adams as he set up the first fine arts photography department in 1945 and over 1,100 audio recordings from the 1940s through the present day, including lectures by artists Claes Oldenberg, Barbara Kruger, Hans Haacke, Laurie Anderson, and John Baldessari.

Named the SFAI Legacy Foundation + Archive, a new nonprofit organization launched on February 15 by members of the SFAI community led by the institutes archivists, Becky Alexander and Jeff Gunderson. "We are delighted to take this crucial step forward in fulfilling our mission to preserve the rich history of the San Francisco Art Institute and make it accessible to researchers and the public," said Charles DeSantis, Foundation President and Chair of the Board. "We believe that the stories and documents held within the archives are not only valuable to the art community, but also to anyone interested in the cultural and social history of the Bay Area and beyond."

SFAI LF+A’s website offers information on the foundation's activities and initiatives, including original public programming, publications, exhibitions, and efforts to build SFAI's reputation as a cultural force in the San Francisco Bay Area and beyond. Visitors can also learn more about the foundation's mission and vision, as well as ways to get involved and support the organization.