School of the Art Institute of Chicago Announces Layoffs for 20 Employees

The School of the Art Institute of Chicago (SAIC) recently laid off 20 employees, citing financial challenges due to enrollment changes, including a decline in international student numbers. Among those affected were key positions within the Video Data Bank, a significant resource for video art, raising concerns about its future operations. Though the college emphasizes its commitment to the Video Data Bank, the layoffs have sparked worries about the impact on artists who rely on this distribution platform. The broader cuts reflect ongoing adjustments within academia related to fluctuating enrollment and financial pressures.