San Francisco Chronicle - (Sunday)
SFMOMA offers discount to working artists
San Francisco Museum of Modern Art has launched a new membership program that gives working artists a major discount on an annual pass, making it one of the first institutions in the U.S. to extend such an offer.
Under the newly introduced program, professional artists can now enjoy a $40 discount on an annual SFMOMA membership by completing an online form and providing evidence of their active professional work. After successfully piloting the initiative in April, the museum has expanded its reach to encompass all qualified artists.
Memberships range from $100 for individuals age 65 and older to $1,250 for the Benefactor level.
“Artists are a vibrant core of
all we do at SFMOMA — from exhibitions to education to special events,” said Christopher Bedford, the museum’s
director, in a statement. “I am grateful to launch our new working artist membership program to help increase critThe ical access for practicing artists, to foster meaningful engagement, and to serve as a resource for our creative community.”
The program offers artists two tiers to choose from: an individual level membership priced at $80 per year, or a dual level membership available for $140 per year.
Benefits include free museum admission for the member (and, for the latter, one accompanied guest), discounts at all SFMOMA restaurants, a 10% discount at the Museum Store, access to members-only preview days and parties, and 25% off daily parking in the SFMOMA garage.
Bay Area artist and SFMOMA trustee Tucker Nichols expressed his enthusiasm for the potential impact of the program.
“The museum is constantly changing, and this program will encourage artists to come frequently and engage actively,” he said. “I’ve long hoped for a program like this at a major Bay Area arts institution, and it’s great to see it come to fruition.”
Further details regarding SFMOMA membership levels can be found at sfmoma.org/ membership.
The museum will continue to host free family days throughout the year, allowing up to four adults with children to enjoy complimentary admission. Additionally, First Thursdays will grant free admission to residents hailing from all nine Bay Area counties, along with a continuation of regular free community days.