Center For Creative Photography

We are a research institution with a robust program of exhibitions and public lectures. We are the largest institution in the world devoted to documenting the history of modern North American photography. At the heart of the Center are the archives of over 200 photographers, scholars, galleries, and organizations, comprised of 4.5 million items, complemented by an unparalleled collection of over 90,000 fine prints. These collections continue to  grow through gift and purchase. Recently, we unveiled the new Laura Volkerding Study Center, where researchers can study items from the fine print collection side-by-side with negatives, transparencies, correspondence, and other materials. Our support of scholarship continues to grow through our fellowship and visiting scholars program.The Center has a direct impact on the creation of new knowledge about photography historically through today. We offer curators and scholars the resources to borrow and curate exhibits at their institutions, to write journal articles, books, and exhibition catalogs that are read by thousands, and create new websites accessible to the world. Photographers are inspired by studying our collections, and their creativity expands the universe of art for the world to enjoy. Founded in 1975 by then-University of Arizona President John P. Schaefer and photographer Ansel Adams, the Center for Creative Photography is the largest institution in the world devoted to documenting the history of North American photography. Here one can survey the complete archives of Ansel Adams, Edward Weston, Harry Callahan, Aaron Siskind, Frederick Sommer, W. Eugene Smith, Louise Dahl-Wolfe, Garry Winogrand, and other great photographers of the modern era. The Center’s 5,000 square-foot gallery hosts an ongoing stream of original exhibitions that travel to venues around the world and a permanent collection gallery features selected highlights of photographic history. To accompany its exhibitions and share knowledge about the medium of photography, the Center offers lectures, tours, and many other educational opportunities. It also publishes exhibition catalogues and books on the history of photography, its theory, criticism, and practice.