The Randolph Street Gallery Archives Project is the result of a collaboration between SAIC graduate students in the Arts Administration department and the John M. Flaxman Library during the Spring of 2004. The need to raise funds that help preserve, process and exhibit the Randolph Street Gallery Archives is apparent. The group therefore developed a project that would augment existing grant proposals. This resulted in an artistsí multiple, which reproduces selected printed ephemera from the archives and transcribes interviews that were conducted with artists, administrators, curators and others formerly involved with the gallery. Reviving the spirit of RSG through this compilation of materials reveals the necessity to make the archives accessible to the SAIC community and the general public.
Our
interest in collaboration drew us to work with the archives. We do not
think of ourselves as historians or archivists, but as collaborative
partners. An artists’ run space, Randolph Street Gallery was built
upon collaborative relationships. It was concerned with forming conversations
within the gallery
and building bridges between disciplines and practices. These dialogues
informed the creative process and resulted in innovative visual and performing
arts projects.
We hope this project provides insight into the significance of preserving the archives. Whether for research purposes, artistic development, or scholarly interest, the archives are a valuable resource. Your interest and support can help in processing the archives so that they become more easily accessible. The Spring 2004 Randolph Street Gallery Archives Project is just the beginning of this process.
Lucas Cowan
Isil Egrikavuk
Branwen Jones
Rachel Pomberg
April 2004
