San Francisco’s historic nonprofit photography space, SF Camerawork, announced it will reopen its doors on Sept. 9 following a rapid rescue by a newly formed board. The organization, which has supported experimental photographers for more than five decades, had earlier this month warned of a shutdown.

Board overhaul saves the gallery

On Aug. 10, the then‑board announced plans to close the 52‑year‑old institution. Within days, veteran photographer and arts professional Hal Fischer, 75, presented a proposal to secure three months of funding and offer an “honorable exit ramp” to board members who wished to step down. Fischer, who previously helped the nonprofit achieve tax‑exempt status in 1977 and served as interim director in 2010, is now board president.

The board has been completely turned over. Fischer joined six new members, including photographer Alex Ramos and City College of San Francisco photography department chair Erika Gentry. Former board member and gallerist Monique Deschaines will serve as interim executive director.

Focus on stability and fundraising

Fischer said the earlier closure announcement was premature and stemmed from a disengaged board rather than an unsalvageable financial situation. “Based on the community response — which was shock and dismay — one could glean that the Camerawork board became disengaged from its longstanding stakeholder community,” he told Mission Local.

He added that the organization is not in debt, which eases the path to recovery. The new board plans to stabilize the gallery through focused fundraising and to continue seeking additional board members.

Location remains at Fort Mason

Camerawork will remain at its current lease in the Fort Mason Center for Arts and Culture, where it has been housed since 2022. The nonprofit hopes the reopening will restore its role as a vital platform for experimental photography in the Bay Area.

Original reporting: Mission Local — read the source article.