Jun 16

Jun 16 Closing the Annenberg Space for Photography

Museums and galleries, the signposts of culture and arts, shut down for the season in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. All but some outdoor exhibits have remained open for people to visit. With the lack of foot traffic, business owners are grasping for straws, depending on online orders and participation to keep them afloat. If layoffs and stimulus packages don’t help, their doors close. Now, one of the pillars of photography culture, the Annenberg Space for Photography in Los Angeles, recently decided to not reopen after the pandemic.

Annenberg Space for Photograph exhibited world-renowned photographers for the public and was supportive of curators’ ambitions. Showcasing shots ranged from topics on refugees to hip-hop to wealth. The latest exhibition, The Vanity Fair: Hollywood Calling, curated by David Friend and Susan White, was well-received globally and explored the thrill and magic of the film industry over the last four decades.

The museum’s decision to close was sudden. It was still planning exhibits and events until its founder, Wallis Annenberg, made the announcement to close. Elisabeth Biondi, co-curator of REFUGEE at the museum, felt that the coronavirus wasn't enough to close the museum, “Every museum is affected by this and we slowly open up again,” Biondi said, “but it still doesn’t explain why they are closing while others are not closing. I don’t really know why.…”

Annenberg announced in an open letter on social media that, “For now, given the unprecedented health crisis we face, the Annenberg Foundation will continue to place its primary focus on helping to support those affected by COVID-19. In addition, we’re going to continue to expand our commitment to social and economic justice, in every way we can.” Despite the closing, Annenberg explained that exhibits will still be available online at their page annenbergphotospace.org and their Instagram @annenbergspace.