The Sushi Contemporary Performance & Visual Arts Archive documents the organization and its impact on the San Diego art scene from its inception in 1980 through its end in 2011. The collection is a record of the activities of the organization, contemporary performance art, dance and visual art during the 1980s and 1990s. Materials include administrative files, clippings, ephemera, recorded performances, promotional and event photographs, and artist files.
Sushi Contemporary Performance and Visual Arts Archive, 1976 - 2010 (bulk 1980-2000) (MSS 741)
Restrictions: Artist contracts with social security numbers are restricted until 2075; redacted
copies may be requested. Original media formats are restricted; viewing/listening
copies may be available for researchers.
Extent: 28.2 Linear feet (61 archives boxes, 3 card file boxes, 1 record carton and 5 map case folders)
Sushi Contemporary Performance and Visual Arts was founded in 1980 by visual artist Lynn Schuette. Sushi developed from the 1979 visual and performance series Artists Work Here, also organized by Schuette. The non-profit organization was created to be an alternative exhibition and performance space that would support both local and visiting contemporary artists.
Sushi became one of the most active contemporary art and performance programs on the West Coast. The organization supported, presented and commissioned both established and emerging artists from diverse ethnic, cultural, sexual and personal backgrounds. Programming featured local, national and international performance artists including Laurie Anderson, David Cale, Karen Finley, Whoopi Goldberg, Guillermo Gómez-Peña, Holly Hughes, Tim Miller and Rachel Rosenthal. Along with performance art, Sushi also featured dance and visual arts, hosting annual events such as Black Choreographers Moving and StreetSites as well as seasonal programming and gallery shows.
The economic recession in 2008, along with several years without a permanent home, left Sushi struggling. In 2011, after more than thirty years presenting innovative performances, Sushi's board of directors voted to dissolve the organization.
The Sushi Contemporary Performance & Visual Arts Archive documents the organization and its impact on the San Diego art scene from its inception in 1980 through its end in 2011. The collection is a record of the activities of the organization, contemporary performance art, dance and visual art during the 1980s and 1990s. Materials include administrative files, clippings, ephemera, recorded performances, promotional and event photographs, and artist files. The early files dating from the 1980s and 1990s are more robust than those from the 2000s.
Arranged in seven series: 1) ADMINISTRATIVE FILES, 2) PRESS FILES, 3) EPHEMERA FILES, 4) PERFORMANCE FILES, 5) VISUAL ARTS FILES, 6) PHOTOGRAPHS & SLIDES, and 7) MEDIA.