A Center for Photography in San Francisco Bay Area

Merg Ross · Aug 8, 2019

Oakland, the birthplace of Group f.64, is the envisioned home for a new facility dedicated to photography. The goal is to open a brick and mortar photo center in the East Bay, welcoming a diverse group of photographers and processes. The attached link provides details.

All are invited to the launch party in Oakland on Wednesday, August 14, 7:30 to 9:30 pm

https://www.ebpco.org/

AgX · Aug 8, 2019

Once the premises and the equipment has been financed, how will the running costs be financed? Or are the teachers expected to work pro-deo?

Merg Ross · Aug 14, 2019

Merg Ross said:
Oakland, the birthplace of Group f.64, is the envisioned home for a new facility dedicated to photography. The goal is to open a brick and mortar photo center in the East Bay, welcoming a diverse group of photographers and processes. The attached link provides details.

All are invited to the launch party in Oakland on Wednesday, August 14, 7:30 to 9:30 pm

https://www.ebpco.org/

Reminder, the launch party is tomorrow. Please join us.

bdial · Aug 14, 2019

Congratulations Merg. I volunteer with a similar organization in Vermont. The party is a bit distant for me, but I hope it goes well.

@AgX, typically running costs come from membership dues, donations, grants from various sources and whatever sales of equipment or artwork can happen. It takes a lot of work and creativity. VCP's instructors are paid a portion of the workshop fees, and some instructors donate some or all of their portion to the organization. Working for free is not an expectation generally.

logan2z · Aug 14, 2019

Sounds very interesting, great to hear that the Bay Area is home to such a place. Unfortunately I am unable to make it tonight, but I wish you a successful launch.

Merg Ross · Aug 14, 2019

bdial said:
Congratulations Merg. I volunteer with a similar organization in Vermont. The party is a bit distant for me, but I hope it goes well.

@AgX, typically running costs come from membership dues, donations, grants from various sources and whatever sales of equipment or artwork can happen. It takes a lot of work and creativity. VCP's instructors are paid a portion of the workshop fees, and some instructors donate some or all of their portion to the organization. Working for free is not an expectation generally.

Thank you, bdial.

Yes, this is a typical model of how such facilities are supported. Some continue for decades, others not as long. It is indeed a lot of work, and the passion and dedication of all involved are key ingredients.

Richard Man · Aug 14, 2019

Love to attend the launch party, but already have a commitment :-/

Have you talked to the Photo Central, or the Harvey Milk Center people? They are non-profit, but may have ideas.

Merg Ross · Aug 14, 2019

logan2z said:
Sounds very interesting, great to hear that the Bay Area is home to such a place. Unfortunately I am unable to make it tonight, but I wish you a successful launch.

Thank you very much.

Merg

Merg Ross · Aug 14, 2019

Richard Man said:
Love to attend the launch party, but already have a commitment :-/

Have you talked to the Photo Central, or the Harvey Milk Center people? They are non-profit, but may have ideas.

Richard, sorry you won't be able to attend. Our model is along the lines of the former RayKo facility that closed in San Francisco. Yes for Photo Central and Harvey Milk Center (we are also a non-profit).

rorye · Aug 16, 2019

Merg I had no idea you were involved, suddenly my interest is much stronger. I'm in So Cal for a week but will definitely stop by when I return.

Merg Ross · Aug 17, 2019

rorye said:
Merg I had no idea you were involved, suddenly my interest is much stronger. I'm in So Cal for a week but will definitely stop by when I return.

Rorye, wonderful to hear from you! This is a good group with a good cause, and the necessary passion. With a little help, I think we can bring our dream to fruition.
Keep in touch, we should get together.
All the best,
Merg

vdonovan · Aug 17, 2019

Thank you for posting, Merg! The East Bay Photo Center is very fortunate to have guidance from Merg and other Bay Area photo and arts professionals as we've developed the business plan. Here are a few links from our website that have more details:
https://www.ebpco.org/eastbaycenter
https://www.ebpco.org/photocenterqa

Of course we welcome your support. Join the cause at:
https://www.ebpco.org/membership

Vince Donovan
co-Executive Director
East Bay Photo Center

Richard Man · Aug 17, 2019

Hi Merg, great to hear that it's modeled after Rayko. I never used their facility but Ann ran a great ship (and of course she's now in Carmel). I wish you much success. There are a lot of talents still left in the Bay Area (as we know, a lot of artists have moved away due to $$$, or lack thereof). I hope to be able to join in a couple month. Good luck.

Merg Ross · Feb 14, 2023

This is an update from the original post of 2019. Much has occurred over the intervening years as you will see.

The East Bay Photo Collective is up and running, making a dream come true! Poke around our site and see what's up as we move forward.

Come join us: http://EBPCO.org

Thanks,
Merg

A Center for Photography in San Francisco Bay Area

Privacy & Transparency

Privacy & Transparency