Future of Chicago’s Video Data Bank Uncertain Amid SAIC Layoffs

The School of the Art Institute of Chicago (SAIC) recently announced significant staff layoffs, a move that has cast a shadow over the future of the pioneering Video Data Bank (VDB). These sweeping cuts, impacting key personnel at one of the world’s most vital video art archives, have sparked considerable concern within the local and global art community.

SAIC Faces Financial Headwinds and Staff Reductions

SAIC, like many educational institutions, is grappling with substantial financial pressures, primarily stemming from a decline in enrollment, particularly among international students. This challenging economic climate led to the elimination of approximately 20 staff roles across the college, a measure SAIC states is intended to “better center the academic mission” and “protect our core teaching mission.” The institution also previously faced reduced funding from the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) under the previous presidential administration, adding to its fiscal strain.

The Indispensable Legacy of the Video Data Bank

Founded in 1976, the Video Data Bank (VDB) has grown to become an unparalleled resource for video and media art. Distributing over 6,000 works to museums, universities, and libraries worldwide, VDB’s collection spans from the 1960s to the present, featuring influential artists such as Nam June Paik, Bruce Nauman, Coco Fusco, and Joan Jonas. Its subscription streaming service, launched last year for higher-education institutions, underscores its commitment to making this invaluable collection accessible globally. For nearly five decades, VDB has been a cornerstone of Chicago’s contribution to the avant-garde and new media art landscape.

Key Staff Cuts Jeopardize VDB Operations

The recent layoffs at VDB were particularly impactful, targeting three of its five staff members: director Tom Colley, digital collection and media manager Elise Schierbeek, and distribution assistant Nicky Ni. Colley, who served VDB for 27 years and directed it since 2022, was a significant loss. These terminations eliminated critical leadership, distribution, and digital management functions, raising serious questions about the archive’s operational capacity and future direction. While SAIC insists VDB is “not going away,” the representative did not confirm if new acquisitions would continue, leaving a critical void in its growth.

Outcry from the Art Community

The decision has ignited widespread dismay among artists, former staff, and institutions that rely on VDB. Tom Colley, in a letter co-signed by VDB co-founder Kate Horsfield and former director Abina Manning, expressed shock at the administration’s unilateral decisions, noting the lack of input from VDB staff. He also mentioned rumors of further structural changes and a halt to new acquisitions and programming.

Film and video artist Jim Finn, whose work is represented in VDB, voiced his sadness and disappointment on Instagram, calling VDB “a harbor of love for artists.” Abina Manning also queried how the community could “fight this,” signaling collective action. A new artist-run initiative, “VDB Forever,” has emerged, promising to release information on proposed courses of action, emphasizing VDB’s “irreplaceable role in the history, present, and future of moving-image art.”

What This Means for Chicago’s Cultural Landscape

The Video Data Bank is more than just an archive; it’s a living institution that has supported generations of experimental artists and provided a crucial educational resource globally, and especially here in Chicago. The reduction of staff and potential halt to new acquisitions and programming could significantly diminish its capacity to serve this role. For Chicago locals, VDB represents a unique cultural asset that champions innovative art and thought. Its weakening would be a loss not just for scholars and artists but for the city’s identity as a hub for cutting-edge artistic expression. The community’s unified response highlights the deep value placed on VDB and the urgency to protect its legacy and future.

• What is the Video Data Bank (VDB)?
  VDB is one of the world’s leading archives for video and media art, founded in 1976 by the School of the Art Institute of Chicago (SAIC), distributing over 6,000 works by approximately 600 artists.
• Why are these layoffs happening?
  SAIC is facing significant financial pressures due to declining enrollment, particularly among international students, leading to broader staff reductions across the college.
• Who was affected at VDB?
  Three of five VDB staff members were laid off, including its director Tom Colley, digital collection and media manager Elise Schierbeek, and distribution assistant Nicky Ni.
• What has been the community’s response?
  The new-media art community, including artists and former VDB staff, has expressed widespread outcry and concern, leading to the formation of initiatives like “VDB Forever” to advocate for its preservation.
• Will VDB continue to acquire new works?
  SAIC has not clarified whether VDB plans to continue acquiring new work, and former director Tom Colley indicated rumors of no new acquisitions or programming.

As the situation unfolds, the collective action and strong advocacy from artists and institutions will be crucial in safeguarding the future of the Video Data Bank, a cherished gem of Chicago’s art world.

SAIC Layoffs Threaten Video Data Bank Future