THE MAIN° by James Q. Chan

Project Launch: Thursday, October 19, 2023 | 5:00-7:00 pm
Location: San Francisco Public Library Main Branch, 100 Larkin Street, 4th Floor (Art, Music, & Recreation Center Exhibit Space)
Free and Open to the Public

Join SFAC's 2022 San Francisco Public Library Artist in Residence James Q. Chan and immerse yourself in his latest project THE MAIN°! Inspired by his time in residence at the SFPL's Main Branch, THE MAIN° is a virtual 360-degree video series which invites viewers on a fresh and accessible behind-the-scenes adventure with the SFPL.

Captured using high-definition spherical 360° cameras, these observational short videos give viewers front-row access to the bustling Main library ecosystem. Viewers can experience a seat at the table with City Archivist and a patron donating their family archives to the History Center, navigating the labyrinth of corridors and aisles to explore the Special Collections with dedicated staff, a backstage pass to a live rock concert put on by teen musicians in a space created by and for them, and a thrill ride through the streets of SF from inside the fleet of bookmobiles, spreading joy across the city. Through this full-circle virtual experience, viewers explore our shared memories of place and discover how our public libraries play a pivotal role in nurturing a sense of community and cultural heritage beyond its shelves. 

Visitors will be able to experience THE MAIN° in multiple ways--through virtual reality headsets, touch screen laptops, and the SFPL's YouTube Channel.  

ABOUT THE ARTIST

James Q. Chan is an Emmy-nominated producer and director based in San Francisco. Recent producing credits include PLAGUE AT THE GOLDEN GATE (PBS/American Experience); CHINATOWN RISING (PBS/America ReFramed). Recent directing projects include BLOODLINE (Emmy®Nominee, 2022); largeformat 360° CIRCLE VISION films for Disney Studios; and launching the doc series CHINATOWN SHORTS. His film FOREVER, CHINATOWN (Emmy® Nominee, 2018) received multiple festival awards, screened globally with American Film Showcase where James serves as a filmmaker envoy. He received a Certificate of Honor from the San Francisco Board of Supervisors for his work highlighting stories from the AAPI community. His sensibilities throughout his projects are shaped by his refugee and working class background, love for nature shows, and memories of his mother’s cooking. He is currently adapting Laurence Yep’s acclaimed CHILD OF THE OWL book into a narrative series set in San Francisco’s Chinatown. James is a 2021 YBCA100 Honoree and a member of the Directors Guild of America. www.goodmedicinefilms.com

ABOUT THE SFAC ARTIST IN RESIDENCE PROGRAM

Launched in 2015, the San Francisco Arts Commission Artist in Residence Program builds partnerships with City Departments in order to provide unique artist residencies that result in strengthening the value of artists participating in and responding to the advancement of civic dialogue. The SFAC is partnering with the SFPL once again and will welcome four new artists to start exploring the library this fall!

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