San Francisco Museum of Modern Art Film Department records
Finding aid created by San Francisco Museum of Modern Art staff using RecordEXPRESS
San Francisco Museum of Modern Art
2015
151 Third Street
San Francisco, California 94103
415.357.4000
http://www.sfmoma.org/
Title: San Francisco Museum of Modern Art Film Department records
Dates: 1970-1980 (bulk 1972-1978)
Collection Number: ARCH.ADM.010
Creator/Collector:
San Francisco Museum of Modern Art
Extent: 4 linear feet (4 cartons, 2 card file boxes)
Repository:
San Francisco Museum of Modern Art
San Francisco, California 94103
Abstract: The collection consists of records of the Film Department of the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art dating from 1970-1980,
the majority of which are published materials from external film organizations. The department was responsible for curating
and screening film series of particular interest to art museum audiences. Experimental and short films were often shown, with
series based primarily on topical themes. The department was dissolved in 1978 amidst museum-wide financial struggles. The
collection is divided into four series: Curated Film Series, Department Administration, Public Relations, and External Film
Organizations.
Language of Material: English
Collection is available for use. Some materials are restricted for confidentiality or condition.
For permissions to reproduce or to publish, please contact the SFMOMA Archives.
[Identification of item], [box year and folder title], Film Department, 1970-1980, Administrative Records, San Francisco Museum
of Modern Art Archives.
Scope and Content of Collection
The Film Department records document the group’s brief but active existence in the 1970s with correspondence, program notes,
press releases, clippings, research materials, and financial records. The bulk of the records date from 1972-1978. More than
half of the records consist of materials published by external film-related organizations, and document the field of non-commercial
film and the museum’s relationship to it at the time. Though the department was dissolved in 1978, some correspondence and
materials from outside film organizations continues through 1980.
The collection is divided into four series: Curated Film Series, which documents film programs shown in the museum; Department
Administration, relating to management of the department; Public Relations, including press releases, program notes, and newspaper
clippings; and External Film Organizations. The External Film Organizations series is divided into four subseries, each representing
a different function of the documentation of film activities: Distributors; Festivals; Newsletters; and Venues.
Art appreciation—Study and teaching—California—San Francisco
Art museums and community—California—San Francisco
Art museums—Educational aspects
Museums and motion pictures
DeRoux, Kenneth
Kramer, Edith
Novikoff, Melvin
San Francisco Museum of Art
San Francisco Museum of Modern Art
San Francisco Museum of Modern Art—Archives
San Francisco Museum of Modern Art—History—Sources
San Francisco Museum of Modern Art—Records and correspondence
War Memorial Veterans Building (San Francisco, Calif.)