SAN FRANCISCO – The San Francisco Museum of Modern Art has sued the San Francisco Community College District, claiming that CCSF has failed to pay its share under an agreement to preserve a mural by artist Diego Rivera.
The San Francisco Museum of Modern Art filed the lawsuit in San Francisco County Superior Court, citing breach of contract.
According to court documents, the SFMOMA and the CCSF entered into a Loan and Partnership Agreement on September 13, 2019, concerning the conservation, relocation, and exhibition of the Diego Rivera mural, known as "Pan American Unity." SFMOMA asserts that under the agreement, SFMOMA's financial responsibilities would be capped at $3.975 million, with CCSF assuming responsibility for any expenses exceeding that amount. SFMOMA claims that despite already exceeding the payment limit, CCSF is contesting its commitments outlined in the deal.
SFMOMA claims that CCSF's failure to uphold the terms of the agreement has obstructed its ability to fulfill its contractual duties, thereby jeopardizing its exhibition commitments for 2024.
The plaintiff is seeking a court order to reaffirm the rights and responsibilities of both parties as outlined in the agreement, with the aim of resolving the dispute and restoring their collaborative efforts, along with court costs and any other relief the court deems proper.
SFMOMA is represented in this case by attorneys Hailyn J. Chen, Jeremy A. Lawrence, and Stephanie G. Herrera, of the firm of Munger, Tolles & Olson LLP, of San Francisco.
San Francisco County Superior Court case number CGC-23-609700