Janice R. Andrews
The University of the Arts (UArts) in Philadelphia has abruptly announced its closure, a startling development that has several arts departments frantically attempting to guarantee their futures. The longstanding Rosenwald-Wolf Gallery curator, Sid Sachs, had only seven days to remove 25 years’ worth of material, which illustrates the significant impact on the faculty and students of the institution.
Sachs, who was in charge of the Philadelphia Art Alliance as well, voiced extreme worry at the state of affairs. He said, “I’m devastated and demoralized.” While much of the Albert Greenfield Library’s collection is questionable, efforts are being made to preserve some of it.
This Friday, the Japan Society’s show “Community of Images: Japanese Moving Image Artists in the U.S., 1960s-1970s” will take place at the Philadelphia Art Alliance, which is no longer able to support itself. But its future prospects are still quite poor.
The Lightbox Film Center, which lost its old location and moved to UArts, is currently without a place to live. Despite an extended delay while looking for a new partner, Lightbox’s director Jesse Pires is determined to see it through to the end.
With $300,000 in outstanding dues, Pig Iron Theatre Company—known for its cutting-edge shows and distinctive theatrical training—faces severe financial hardship. Despite the loss of UArts support, co-founder Quinn Bauriedel is looking for methods to carry on its educational activities on his own.
The demise of UArts has caused significant repercussions in Philadelphia’s arts scene, prompting pressing inquiries on the future of these essential cultural establishments. The city’s academics and artists have persevered through this turbulent time, determined to open up new opportunities for both their work and their students.
