The ARChive of Contemporary Music is urgently seeking a permanent space to store its collection of over 90 million physical tracks in physical formats. The non-profit organization was founded in 1985 by B. George and the late David Wheeler, and initially based in New York City. However, in 2020, ARC moved to Hudson Valley due to a rise in rent and a lack of space. Nonetheless, the organization is still in need of financial support and a new location to house the archive before it is forced to move again.
The current space is not zoned for offices, but agricultural storage, which means that the organization could be forced to relocate at any time. Preserving this valuable collection is essential for music historians and fans alike. The archive includes over 2,500 signed albums from legendary artists such as The Rolling Stones, Jimi Hendrix, Bob Marley, and the Sex Pistols, as well as millions of historic materials spanning all cultures and races.
The board of advisors at ARC boasts a star-studded cast, including Jellybean Benitez, Youssou N’Dour, Q-Tip, Keith Richards, Nile Rodgers, Todd Rundgren, Fred Schneider, Martin Scorsese, Paul Simon, and Mike Stoller. Its emeritus board includes late icons like David Bowie, Lou Reed, and Jerry Wexler, among others.
Fortunately, the organization has received a much-needed boost from an anonymous donor who contributed $1 million towards their fundraising efforts to secure a permanent space. ARC is urging everyone to donate and help save this invaluable collection and protect it for future generations to come.
In order to donate to The ARChive of Contemporary Music, go to their website to learn more about their mission and how to support their efforts. Without a new home, millions of historic materials and cultural artifacts would be lost forever. The preservation of this archive is crucial, and it is imperative that the right resources are made available to ensure that ARC has a secure and permanent home
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