Records of the Aaron Siskind Foundation (SC-38)

Access and use

Location of collection:: Virginia Museum of Fine Arts

VMFA Archives

Virginia Museum of Fine Arts

Margaret R. and Robert M. Freeman Library

200 N. Arthur Ashe Boulevard

Richmond, VA 23220-4007

Contact for questions and access:: POC: Roxanne Winfield

Email: roxanne.winfield@vmfa.museum

Phone: (804) 340-1497

Email: library@vmfa.museum

Phone: (804) 340-1495

Web: vmfa.museum

Restrictions:

The collection is open for research.

Terms of access:

The collection is subject to all copyright laws. Transmission or reproduction of materials protected by copyright, beyond that allowed by fair use, requires the researcher to obtain permission of copyright holders.

In Copyright: http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/

Preferred citation:

Records of the Aaron Siskind Foundation (SC-38). VMFA Archives, Richmond, Virginia.

Summary

Extent:

1.5 Linear Feet 4 boxes; 16 folders

Creator:

Aaron Siskind Foundation and Aaron Siskind Foundation

Abstract:

The collection documents the activities of the Aaron Siskind Foundation during its years of operation, from 1984 to 2020. Aaron Siskind directed that his estate become a resource that would support contemporary photography and reward and encourage excellence in its practitioners. Since his death in 1991, the Aaron Siskind Foundation provided cash grants to individual photographic artists on a yearly basis until disbanding in 2020.

Language:

English .

Preferred citation:

Records of the Aaron Siskind Foundation (SC-38). VMFA Archives, Richmond, Virginia.

Background

Scope and content:

The collection documents the activities of the Aaron Siskind Foundation during its years of operation, from 1984 to 2020, and includes copies of Aaron Siskind's written works from the Center for Creative Photography and several original photographs by Siskind. Works in the collection include information on the organization's founding, bylaws, and art management, among other topics of interest. The collection's inclusive dates are 1920 to 2020. This collection contains articles, contact sheets, contracts, correspondence, media, photographs, printed materials, and reports.

This series contains essays, printed material, and photographs documenting the life and art of Aaron Siskind. Additionally, the series contains photocopies of original print materials held by the Center for Creative Photography at the University of Arizona.

This file contains print materials that document Siskind's life and career.

This file contains print materials that document Aaron Siskind's writings.

This file contains print materials that document the 2018 Fujifilm Square exhibition, "Treasures of American Modern Photography: The Gilbert Collection."

This file contains print materials that document the 2020 Museum of Photographic Arts (MOPA) exhibition, "Beyond the Frame: Aaron Siskind Photographs."

This file contains photographic materials that document the work of Aaron Siskind.

This series contains the correspondence, legal documents, and media of the Aaron Siskind Foundation. Materials within document the establishment of the foundation, its functions, and its dissolution.

This file contains print materials that document sales of Aaron Siskind's artwork.

This file contains print materials that document the creation of the Aaron Siskind Foundation through terms outlined in Siskind's will and in meetings with him.

This file contains print materials that document gifts made by the Aaron Siskind Foundation to artists and institutions.

This file contains print materials that document copyright assignments made by the Aaron Siskind Foundation and copyright requests made to the Foundation.

This file contains print materials that document the federal and state tax status of the Aaron Siskind Foundation.

This file contains print materials and CD's that document the Aaron Siskind Foundation's organization system for Siskind works in their care.

This file contains pricing reports for Siskind artworks.

This file contains the articles of incorporation and bylaws for the Aaron Siskind Foundation.

This file contains the mission statement of the Aaron Siskind Foundation.

Biographical / historical:

Aaron Siskind directed that his estate become a resource that would support contemporary photography and reward and encourage excellence in its practitioners. Since his death in 1991, the Aaron Siskind Foundation provided cash grants to individual photographic artists on a yearly basis until disbanding in 2020. In addition, the Foundation worked to preserve and protect Siskind's artistic legacy, and fostered knowledge of and appreciation for his art through new books, exhibits, educational events and scholarly research.

Source: Aaron Siskind Foundation collection by the Center for Creative Photography at The University of Arizona

Custodial history:

The collection was transferred from the Registration and Curatorial departments as materials were discovered from 2020-2022.

Processing information:

Original folder titles were retained when provided.

Arrangement:

The collection is organized into 2 series, and items are generally arranged chronologically within each series. Items with no date are generally placed at the end of each series.

Series 1: Aaron Siskind, 1920-2020
Series 2: Aaron Siskind Foundation, 1983-2019

Indexed terms

Subjects:: Nonprofit organizations
Photography, Abstract
Names:: Aaron Siskind Foundation
Aaron Siskind Foundation

Collection