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
Phone: (804) 340-1497
Phone: (804) 340-1495
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.

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.

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