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article news schedule Nov 19, 2025 visibility 4 link 9 artists, 1 gallery

school of art institute of chicagos video data bank 2714672

The School of the Art Institute of Chicago (SAIC) abruptly laid off three of five staff members of its Video Data Bank (VDB), including director Tom Colley, on November 12. The cuts have sparked outcry in the new-media art community and raised concerns about the archive's future. Founded in 1976, VDB is a leading archive of video art, distributing over 6,000 works by artists such as Nam June Paik, Coco Fusco, and Bruce Nauman. The layoffs come as SAIC faces enrollment declines and financial shortfalls, with 20 total layoffs across the institution.

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article news schedule Nov 19, 2025 visibility 5 link 11 artists, 1 gallery

school of art institute of chicagos video data bank 2714672

The School of the Art Institute of Chicago (SAIC) laid off three of five staff members of its Video Data Bank (VDB), including director Tom Colley, as part of 20 total layoffs across the institution. The cuts, announced on November 12, eliminated leadership and key distribution and digital management roles, sparking outcry from the new-media art community. VDB, founded in 1976, is a leading archive of video art with over 6,000 works by artists including Nam June Paik, Bruce Nauman, and Pipilotti Rist, distributed worldwide via subscription streaming.

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article news schedule Nov 17, 2025 visibility 3 link 8 artists

video data bank downsizing school art institute chicago 1234761928

The School of the Art Institute of Chicago (SAIC) laid off three of five staff members at the Video Data Bank (VDB), a renowned video art distribution organization, on November 12. Former director Tom Colley announced the dismissals of digital collection manager Elise Schierbeek and distribution assistant Nicky Ni, and stated that acquisitions and programming would cease. SAIC cited financial pressures from federal policy changes and enrollment declines, insisting the VDB is not closing but needs adjusted staffing to protect its teaching mission. The VDB, founded in 1976 and approaching its 50th anniversary, holds works by major artists including Nam June Paik, Pipilotti Rist, and Bruce Nauman, and has historically received NEA funding.

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article news schedule Nov 17, 2025 visibility 2 link 8 artists

video data bank downsizing school art institute chicago 1234761928

The School of the Art Institute of Chicago (SAIC) laid off more than half of the staff at the Video Data Bank (VDB) on November 12, eliminating three of five positions, including the director, digital collection and media manager, and a distribution assistant. The VDB, founded in 1976 and approaching its 50th anniversary, distributes video artworks to museums and institutions worldwide, with a collection featuring artists like Nam June Paik, Bruce Nauman, and Pipilotti Rist. SAIC cited financial pressures from federal policy changes and enrollment declines, stating the cuts were necessary to protect the academic mission and preserve the VDB's future, though former staff and industry figures have condemned the decision.

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