The School of the Art Institute Discontinues Media Arts Program
**Opinion: The Urgent Need for Imaginative Funding in Video Arts**
The recent decision by the School of the Art Institute of Chicago (SAIC) to cut funding from Video Data Bank (VDB) has stirred significant concern within the arts community. Originally established by SAIC graduate students, VDB has played a foundational role in conserving and amplifying video art, akin to Howard Wise’s vision for imaginative funding structures. Wise, a pioneering advocate for media art, founded the influential Electronic Arts Intermix (EAI) in 1971 to promote the possibility-rich future for video artists. His manifesto called for infrastructure-focused coalition-building, emphasizing the crucial need for forward-thinking support.
This precedent of Wise contrasts starkly with SAIC’s recent actions. The institution’s disengagement from VDB reflects a troubling lack of institutional accountability and neglects the historic contributions and value VDB adds to media arts. This decision not only undermines VDB’s operational longevity but dismisses its vital role in cultural preservation and education.
The instability in media arts funding is not unprecedented. Throughout the late 20th century, video art funding faced frequent upheavals, particularly under periods of political and economic strain in the U.S. Federal and foundation support fluctuated, often pivoting away from experimental arts towards more commercially viable or politically safe projects. These shifts forced organizations like VDB and EAI to become essential conservators of video art heritage.
SAIC’s move is reminiscent of these broader patterns of funding inconsistency and poses a warning to the current media arts landscape. Despite some promising artistic collaborations and the establishment of future-focused institutions like Canyon museum, this context stresses the necessity for innovative funding strategies.
For the longevity and sustainability of video arts, concerted efforts must focus on community-building, transparency, and creating flexible funding avenues prioritizing long-term stability. Imaginative solutions are needed more than ever to fortify the infrastructure supporting media artists, ensuring that such cultural assets remain vibrant for future generations.
Institutions and funders are urged to honor Wise’s legacy by entrusting arts communities with the freedom to shape their own futures, reinforcing the supportive networks essential for media art’s enduring impact. Thus, accountability, strategic foresight, and investment in media arts are not only a duty but a necessity for fostering a thriving cultural environment, preventing divestment decisions from becoming a recurring inevitability.