The San Francisco Institute of Art will no longer offer any courses or degrees after a failed attempt to merge with the University of San Francisco.
The institute has been struggling financially since 2020, when it participated in other merger talks with local institutions, including the University of San Francisco, which announced in February that it had “signed a letter of intent to explore the integration of operations and academic programs in the arts to elevate the next generation of artists. “
The Rev. Paul Fitzgerald, president of the university, wrote at the time: “Our shared goal is for the undergraduate and graduate art programs of the two institutions to merge and create a world-class arts education program, unique to higher education, which will benefit our students through newly developed collaboration opportunities. ”
But the university announced last week that “after five months of extensive exploration and discussion about a possible integration of arts education programs for undergraduate and graduate students, the University of San Francisco has reported to the San Francisco Art Institute that a full integration of the two universities is not feasible due to financial and other considerations.
Father Fitzgerald added: “We had hoped and invested in a more expansive outcome at the end of due diligence and after many months of excellent collaboration between faculty and staff. Today, aligned with initiatives and priorities the university’s strategic goals, the university remains committed to expanding and growing its arts program. ”
The university announced that it will hire arts teachers on its own for one-year appointments in a new fine arts program.
“Depending on the completion of the development, accreditation, and enrollment of the new program, these one-year appointments may be extended to multi-year positions and additional new positions may be offered beginning in the fall of 2023 and beyond.” , said the university. The university hopes to launch an M.F.A. program in the fall of 2023 and a B.F.A. in the fall of 2024.
The university’s decision was the last straw for the art institute.
“Since its layoffs, foreclosure proceedings and perceived closure in March 2020, SFAI has educated and graduated 175 students while struggling for financial stability,” the institute said in a statement. “After many years of austerity measures, challenging fundraising campaigns and several negotiations on mergers and acquisitions by a committed board and administration, SFAI is no longer economically viable and has ceased its degree programs in from July 15, 2022. SFAI will remain a non-profit organization to protect its name, archives and legacy. “
The statement adds: “As of July 16, 2022, no student or employee will fill the historic SFAI campus, a beautiful and unique place in San Francisco with its glorious Diego Rivera fresco, exquisite views of the city and its Italian environment. Architecture of the 60s-Brutalism. Instead, a number of contractors will handle security, regulatory, legal and financial issues, and ensure that students and alumni have access to their academic records. “
Regarding Diego Rivera’s fresco, the statement adds: “SFAI owns Diego Rivera’s fresco on the Chestnut Street campus. The University of California owns the building. SFAI will lose possession of the fresco if it does not comply or loses the building lease. SFAI is actively working with local and international donor communities to protect the fresco. “
