The Brooklyn Museum in New York is reducing its workforce and exhibitions as it faces a budget deficit projected to reach $10 million by the end of its fiscal year.
Via Hyperallergic, the institution’s director Anne Pasternak first announced the job cuts in an all-staff meeting on 7 February, attributing the decision to the budget deficit.
The staff cuts will affect 47 full and part-time workers, according to District Council 37, one of the unions representing employees at the museum.
Pasternak has now confirmed the layoffs and a reduction in the number of exhibitions in a statement. She said the Brooklyn Museum leadership has carried out a “critical, data-driven review of its operations, finances, and program”.
Despite its myriad achievements over the last decade, the museum is “experiencing strong headwinds” as inflation has “dramatically impacted” its operating budget and added “millions of dollars to everyday costs and outpacing funding”.
“We also face challenges in growing our operating budget to align with growing compensation and institutional needs, leading to budgetary deficits and straining cash flow,” Pasternak said.
In response to these issues, the Brooklyn Museum will reduce its number of annual exhibitions from an average of 12 to an average of nine.
Additionally, it will decrease its workforce by around 10 percent. This will impact union and non-union roles across the institution.
Staff cuts to affect 47 workers
“Our research and planning work explored all avenues for financial relief before turning to the elimination of positions,” Pasternak wrote.
“The reality is, though, that wages comprise our largest operational line item – approximately 70 percent of our operating budget – and a financial realignment sadly requires reductions in our team.”
Alongside the job cuts, the Brooklyn Museum’s senior leadership team will be taking salary reductions of between 10 and 20 percent.
Pasternak said “the decision to eliminate any position is deeply difficult”.
Other visitor attractions to announce layoffs this year include Legoland Florida and the Eden Project.
Images courtesy of the Brooklyn Museum
