The San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (SFMOMA) has laid off 29 staff members in a 7.5 percent reduction of its workforce.
In a statement dated 7 May, the institution said it has taken “the difficult step to eliminate 29 currently filled positions”, including 20 full-time roles and 9 part-time jobs affecting both union and non-union staff.
Additionally, the museum has eliminated 13 unfilled positions.
SFMOMA: $5m structural deficit
The San Francisco Museum of Modern Art said the decision “was necessary” but that it recognises the “impacts on affected individuals” and has “provided severance packages, including enhanced packages to our union members above what is outlined in our collective bargaining agreement”.
The job cuts have been made in light of financial challenges to the museum‘s operating model, it said in the statement.
The museum said in continues to “grapple with some hard realities”, including a $5 million structural deficit and lower post-pandemic attendance as tourism to San Francisco is “yet to fully rebound”.
“We must set a new path forward grounded in the facts of the present,” the museum said.
As well as laying off employees, the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art is adjusting its budget to reflect “a reduced annual attendance normal in the range of 600,000 visitors”.
It will reduce the number of annual exhibitions and collection rotations, and will focus on establishing new revenue streams.
“SFMOMA has an exceptional team – one that is immensely dedicated, passionate, and talented,” the museum said.
“For that reason, among others, today’s reduction is difficult to both implement and share.
Job cuts at US and UK visitor attractions
“These are tough decisions, yet they are necessary in setting a sustainable future course for the museum.”
In March, the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum in New York announced it was laying off 20 employees across the institution due to financial challenges.
This came after the Brooklyn Museum said it was reducing its workforce and exhibitions as it faced a budget deficit.
Other visitor attractions to announce layoffs this year include Legoland Florida, the Eden Project, Merlin and Tate.
Images courtesy of SFMOMA
