Vision
The Bay Area Photographers Collective is grounded in the belief that there is a need for an institution devoted to the development of a photographic community and its concerns. The Collective will provide a home base for Bay Area photographers devoted to their art.
The Collective will promote and encourage independence, experimentation, cooperation, and creativity. It will sustain a community of photographic artists through support, spiritual sustenance, encouragement, and constructive critique. It will pursue the exhibition of members’ work on a professional level.
The Collective is a nonprofit, cooperative organization that is wholly supported by its members, and does not rely on outside funding for its existence or day-to-day operations.
History
In January 1999, a group of San Francisco Bay Area photographers, inspired and led by documentary photographer and teacher Frank Espada, met to create a community of photographic artists.
Our first group exhibit took place October 1999 as part of San Francisco Open Studios, followed by four other group shows in 1999, 2000, and 2001. In April 2001, BAPC attained federal tax-exempt status.
We continue our active pursuit of photography by hosting monthly portfolio reviews, bimonthly salons, and frequent workshops, artist talks, and exhibition opportunities.
Our current members work in all modes of the photographic arts—from digital, to traditional darkroom, alternative process and mixed media.