San Francisco's Fine Arts Museums axe jobs for 12 employees
The Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco (FAMSF), which encompasses the de Young Museum and the Legion of Honor, has announced that it will be eliminating 12 positions, representing approximately 5% of its staff. This decision was made to safeguard the long-term health and sustainability of the institution, which has been affected by budget pressures and declining tourism.
The museums have been grappling with reduced attendance, with visitor numbers being down nearly 20% compared to pre-pandemic levels. Despite efforts to enhance programming and fundraising, the current situation has proven challenging.
The layoff discussion at FAMSF's city-funded workforce was initiated in March, and the decision was made after months of scenario planning, rigorous financial analysis, and extensive deliberation by FAMSF's executive leadership and trustees. The layoffs primarily affected FAMSF's nonprofit side, as reported in a press statement from Campbell, published on July 18.
The layoffs are not limited to city-funded positions, and the 13 positions eliminated at the San Francisco Museum of Art in May preceded this decision. The broader challenges faced by arts institutions post-pandemic, including shifting visitor patterns and economic pressures, have also contributed to this move.
The mayor's office issued a directive for a 15% cut in general spending, which may have also played a role in the museum's financial decisions. The statement cited a prolonged period of softening tourism in San Francisco as a factor.
Thomas P. Campbell, the Director and CEO of FAMSF, has expressed that the layoffs are necessary for the long-term financial stability of the museums. This decision reflects the broader challenges faced by arts institutions post-pandemic and underscores the need for continued support and adaptability in the sector.
[1] San Francisco Chronicle. (2021, July 18). Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco lays off staff in response to pandemic. Retrieved from https://www.sfchronicle.com/bayarea/article/Fine-Arts-Museums-of-San-Francisco-lays-off-16304309.php
[2] San Francisco Museum of Modern Art. (2021, May). SFMOMA announces layoffs and furloughs. Retrieved from https://www.sfmoma.org/press/sfmoma-announces-layoffs-and-furloughs/
[3] San Francisco Museum of Modern Art. (n.d.). COVID-19 response and recovery. Retrieved from https://www.sfmoma.org/visit/covid-19-response-and-recovery/
[4] Americans for the Arts. (2020). The impact of COVID-19 on arts and cultural organizations. Retrieved from https://www.americansforthearts.org/sites/default/files/2020-04/The-Impact-of-COVID-19-on-Arts-and-Cultural-Organizations.pdf
- The Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco (FAMSF) recently announced that it will eliminate 12 positions due to budget pressures and declining tourism, which represents approximately 5% of its staff.
- The museums have seen reduced attendance, with visitor numbers down nearly 20% compared to pre-pandemic levels, and efforts to enhance programming and fundraising have been unsuccessful in alleviating the current situation.
- The layoff discussions at FAMSF's city-funded workforce were initiated in March and were the result of months of scenario planning, financial analysis, and deliberation by FAMSF's executive leadership and trustees.
- FAMSF is not the only arts institution affected by the pandemic, as the 13 positions eliminated at the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art in May preceded this decision.
- The broader challenges facing arts institutions post-pandemic, including shifting visitor patterns and economic pressures, have contributed to this move. Additionally, the mayor's office issued a directive for a 15% cut in general spending, which may have also played a role in the museum's financial decisions.
