Storefront for Art and Architecture Archive

As one of the first alternative spaces in the U.S. dedicated to presenting innovative, provocative work at the intersection of art and architecture, Storefront for Art and Architecture (Storefront) has accumulated archival records documenting its diverse and influential program of over 280 exhibitions and affiliated performances, lectures, publications, and events dating from its founding in 1982. Featuring the work of 1,500+ architects, artists, and designers, this material includes a collection of original artwork and over 107 linear feet of programming documents, photographic prints, and negatives, audio-visual media, newsletters and publications that together constitute a unique, underrepresented repository of national significance.

Storefront's archive project began in 2015. It consists of three collections: Program Files (1982-2010), Institutional Records (1982-2009), and Original Artwork (1982-2006). In partnership with Google Arts & Culture, a selection from these collections is now on display here. The exhibitions below are curated by a group of key figures in the history of the institution and young researchers.

The digitization of Storefront for Art and Architecture’s archive is made possible by a major grant from the National Historical Publications and Records Commission (NHPRC). The archive has also received generous support from the Documentary Heritage Program of the New York State Archives, a program of the State Education Department; the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH); the Council on Library & Information Resources (CLIR); and Mr. Robert M. Rubin.

Storefront’s archive initiative were spearheaded by Chialin Chou (Archive Curator, 2014-2019), with the assistance of Anthony Graham, Ryan J. Simons, Arielle Davidoff, Evan Shirley, Stella Blue Porzungolo, Iara Pimenta, Parker Limon, Yujia Bian, and Farnoosh Farmer.