About

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 promotes and encourages independence, experimentation, cooperation, and creativity. It sustains 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. Initially, we planned to find a gallery and studio space that we could call home. With the rising real estate costs in the Bay Area, that part of the dream has been put on hold.

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, salons, workshops, artist talks, and exhibition opportunities.

Currently, we comprise 30 photographers, working in all aspects of the photographic arts.