The acquisition of the San Francisco Art Institute by Laurene Powell Jobs’ philanthropic Consortium saves this iconic mural by Diego Rivera from a predictable end.

When it appeared all hope was lost, a new non-profit led by Laurene Powell Jobs acquired the San Francisco Art Institute, saving the iconic 1931 Diego Rivera mural from an uncertain fate.

BY ARTCENTRON NEWS

SAN FRANCISCO, CA–After numerous controversies, debates, and condemnations regarding the fate of the San Francisco Art Institute (SFAI), a solution has finally emerged. A newly established non-profit, composed of affluent philanthropists and art enthusiasts, has acquired the institute, including its renowned 1931 Diego Rivera mural. Led by Laurene Powell Jobs, the widow of Apple co-founder Steve Jobs, the group invested $30 million to procure the financially troubled school’s two-acre Russian Hill campus, aiming to restore and reopen the institute.

The purchase comes less than a year after the institute declared bankruptcy and closed its doors. The $30 million deal, including the mural, closed last Thursday, February 29, according to the San Francisco Chronicle.

Restoration of the SFAI Building

The first task for the new owners is the restoration of the building, a project that will span approximately four years. Powell Jobs, who provided the endowment through funds from her philanthropy and investments group, Emerson Collective, and her advisory committee intend to restore and renovate the property to continue its legacy as an arts institution. They are also exploring opportunities for an artist-in-residence program that would provide housing onsite.

During this period, the iconic mural, The Making of a Fresco Showing the Building of a City, will remain in its current location and be accessible to the public. Originally valued at $50 million, the mural was one of the major bones of contention when the SFAI declared bankruptcy, causing palpable concern about its future.

The acquisition of SFAI is a major source of relief for many San Franciscans and art lovers in general, who expressed great concerns for the fate of their beloved institution.

Founded in 1871, the institute had an enviable list of distinguished faculty over its 151-year history, including luminaries such as Ansel Adams, Dorothea Lange, Ad Reinhardt, Mark Rothko, and Clyfford Still. It was instrumental in nurturing talents like photographer Annie Leibovitz and painter Kehinde Wiley.

Despite its outstanding faculty and talents, the institute struggled financially for years. It faced significant financial difficulties and declining enrollments in its final years, while also generating millions of dollars in debt. With a clear view of an impending calamity, the institute began exploring opportunities to generate funds, including expanding its campus. In 2017, SFAI expanded its campus, offering a glimmer of hope, but then the COVID-19 pandemic hit. The school eventually closed its satellite location in 2020 amid the initial quarantine restrictions of the COVID-19 pandemic.

COVID-19 Pandemic Exacerbates Fading Hope

Hope dwindled with the closure, and that last straw broke the camel’s back. Despite efforts to sustain operations, the school ultimately declared bankruptcy and permanently shut down. Like many educational institutions worldwide, the COVID-19 pandemic was the final blow. That year, the school decided to cancel admissions and lay off over 60 faculty members. It later considered selling Rivera’s mural to stay afloat. The criticism was spontaneous and immense.

As a last resort, there was a merger plan between the University of San Francisco and SFAI, but it failed as the University opted to establish its art department instead. The school matriculated its final Class of 2022 and subsequently ceased its educational operations after the failed merger with the University of San Francisco.

During this uncertain period, concerns lingered regarding the fate of the Rivera mural, depicting laborers constructing a cityscape. A glimmer of hope emerged with a $200,000 grant from the Mellon Foundation, dedicated to the mural’s preservation, shortly before SFAI’s closure. However, the mural’s future remained uncertain until the recent acquisition.

Help from Laurene Powell Jobs’ Consortium

The acquisition of SFAI by the philanthropic consortium, led by Laurene Powell Jobs, underscores the significance of private investment in sustaining cultural institutions during challenging times. By securing the future of the institute and its invaluable assets, including the iconic Rivera mural, the non-profit consortium exemplifies a dedication to the enrichment of artistic endeavors in the San Francisco Bay Area and beyond.

Looking ahead, the reinvigorated SFAI promises to serve as a beacon for aspiring artists, scholars, and enthusiasts alike, offering a dynamic space for exploration, innovation, and collaboration. With its rich history and renewed purpose, the institute is poised to continue shaping the landscape of contemporary art and nurturing the next generation of creative visionaries.

In the wake of adversity, the resilience and resolve demonstrated by all involved in the preservation and revival of SFAI serve as a testament to the enduring power of art to inspire, unite, and transform lives. As the journey unfolds, the restored institute stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of creativity, community, and cultural stewardship.

Featured image: Diego Rivera’s mural, The Making of a Fresco, Showing the Building of a City, (1931) at the San Francisco Art Institute (photo by Joaquín Martínez via Flickr)

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