Purpose
The purpose of the Art21 Archive is to preserve, steward, and share the preeminent library of film footage documenting the works and words of the 21st century’s most influential artists. 

The Art21 Archive supports the organization’s mission to educate and expand access to contemporary art through the production of documentary films, resources, and public programs.

 

Collection
The Art21 Archive consists of the Film Library of published documentary films and the raw footage gathered since filming began in 1999. Growing each year, the Art21 Archive currently holds 85 hours of documentary films alongside 4,250 hours of raw footage (as of May 2026).

This expansive resource spotlights the voices and creative processes of over 315 influential contemporary artists through in-depth interviews, documentation of artworks from their conception to exhibition, and the deep observational filmmaking for which Art21 is known. In addition to offering privileged access to artists’ studios, the Art21 Archive contains rare documentation of temporary installations and performances, key artworks, as well as intimate interactions between artists and their families, friends, and communities. Art21’s approach enables artists to speak directly to the audience, addressing significant political, social, and historical moments impacting artists’ lives in the first quarter of the 21st century.

The collection tracks the long-term trajectories of celebrated artists like Sarah Sze, Kerry James Marshall, Julie Mehretu, and Paul Pfeiffer over decades and preserves the irreplaceable records of deceased masters such as Phyllida Barlow, Margaret Kilgallen, Elizabeth Murray, and Richard Serra.

 

Access
Archival content is shared with the public via Art21 films, articles, and digital content. Additional access will be considered on a case-by-case basis to artists, scholars, curators, filmmakers, and others. Access will be contingent on the proposed use of the materials and the allotted materials deemed accessible by the organization and the artist(s) featured (or the artist’s estate). 

 

Funding
The Art21 Archive is made possible with support from Bloomberg Philanthropies’ Digital Accelerator for Arts and Culture, The Hearthland Foundation, the Jon and Mary Shirley Foundation, ​​the Evelyn Toll Family Foundation, and the Art21 Board of Trustees.

 

Staff/People
Madeleine Mendell, Archivist
Ian Forster, Director of Production

Formed in 2022, Art21’s Archive Advisory Committee currently consists of Art21 staff from various departments (production, curatorial, and development), Art21 Board members, artists, filmmakers, and experts across varied fields including time-based media.