The Brooklyn Museum, a cultural institution known for its diverse exhibitions and community engagement, is currently facing a challenging financial situation. In response to a budget deficit that could potentially reach $10 million by June, the museum has announced plans to lay off approximately 40 employees and reduce programming. This decision comes amid a backdrop of rising operating costs and sluggish post-pandemic attendance, as reported by Hyperallergic and confirmed by museum director Anne Pasternak in a statement to the New York Times.
Challenges and Layoffs
Anne Pasternak, in a letter to museum staff, described the financial difficulties as a result of inflation impacting the operating budget and outpacing funding. She also noted that the slow recovery in attendance following the pandemic has further exacerbated the museum’s financial woes. The layoffs are expected to affect various departments within the museum, including both union and non-union positions. Local 1502, a division of the District Council 37 union representing art handlers, curatorial assistants, and maintainers, has raised concerns about the timing of the layoffs. The union claims that they were not given adequate notice as required by their contract, prompting them to issue a cease-and-desist letter to the museum.
Fiscal Year Challenges and Community Response
This decision to lay off employees comes at the end of a complex fiscal year for the Brooklyn Museum. Despite growth in its board and endowment, as well as successful attendance at blockbuster exhibitions such as “Giants: Art from the Dean Collection of Swizz Beatz and Alicia Keys,” the museum struggled to balance its expenses with revenue. The year also saw the unveiling of a new brand identity to commemorate its bicentennial. However, financial strains persisted, leading to the current budget deficit and subsequent staff reductions.
In addition to financial challenges, the Brooklyn Museum has also faced external pressures in recent years. The institution has been a focal point for pro-Palestine demonstrations, with activists calling for transparency regarding investments linked to Israel. These protests have at times escalated into confrontations, including a rally last May that resulted in arrests and criticism of police conduct. The museum’s leadership, including Anne Pasternak, has been targeted with vandalism and accusations, highlighting the contentious nature of some of the community responses.
As the Brooklyn Museum navigates these financial and social challenges, stakeholders and supporters are closely watching how the institution will adapt and evolve in the face of adversity. The impact of the layoffs on the museum’s operations and programming remains to be seen, as efforts to address the budget deficit continue. ARTnews has reached out to both the Brooklyn Museum and Local 1502 for further insights and updates on this developing situation.
