Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum Lays Off Staff
The Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum in New York has cut 20 positions due to financial difficulties. As the New York Times reported, the museum is grappling with increased expenses and reduced visitor numbers due to COVID-19. To curb it, the museum had raised ticket prices (from $25 to @30), cut operating costs, and implemented hiring freezes.
This job reduction affected 7% of its workforce and spanned six departments, including advancement, education, global communications, legal, operations, and archives. It is the third layoff in three years, with over 30 employees, including two deputy directors, having lost their jobs earlier. The decision has sparked conversations regarding labor rights within the arts field, particularly as financial strains increase.
What Does Guggenheim Have to Say?
Guggenheim’s Director, Mariët Westermann, who is also the museum’s CEO since 2024, communicated in a memo, “Our overall financial picture is not where it needs to be. To be fiscally responsible now and position the museum well for the future, we have made the difficult decision to reorganise some teams and reduce staffing across the museum.”
This restructuring is intended to allow the museum to function more effectively, encouraging cooperation and creativity among the remaining employees. She added, “This reorganization will allow us to work more collaboratively, with new synergies and fewer silos. Some of these changes will require the redefinition of existing roles and the addition of new and different roles going forward. I remain steadfastly hopeful and enthusiastic about the opportunities before us.”
Resistance Against The Layoffs
Olga Brudastova, who represents 14 of the museum staff through the Local 2110 chapter of the United Auto Workers (UAW), said that the union was not given any prior notice about the layoffs and raised questions about negotiations. She added that they were “denied any union representation” at the meetings about the layoffs. “The Union has already filed a grievance over this and has demanded information and bargaining with the Museum over the layoffs. We will take whatever steps are necessary to protect our members’ jobs.” Brudastova said.
Who Remains Unaffected By The Decision?
The decision does not impact curators and high-ranking officials at the Guggenheim. It includes Naomi Beckwith, Guggenheim’s chief curator, and the International Union of Operating Engineers Local 30.
When Will Financial Stability for Guggenheim Arrive?
The Guggenheim’s recent operating budget of $72.5 million, paired with an endowment of $124.6 million, is the main cause of worry. Approximately 60% of the total budget expenditures are allocated to salaries, complicating decisions concerning staffing and resources. This is the main cause of the layoffs. However, pay reductions will not be implemented.
Guggenheim’s situation may improve with the restructuring. Additionally, Guggenheim Abu Dhabi’s launch, which is riddled with delays and controversies, may do the same.
Thus far, public funding, contributions, and ticket sales remain crucial for the survival of arts organisations. However, it is a slippery slope when faced with economic fluctuations. Hence, they must improve on operational expenses, property ownership, and effectively engage audiences.
What is Happening at Guggenheim Right Now?
Yesterday, Guggenheim employees rallied outside Rashid Johnson’s exhibition opening at the Guggenheim. As reported by Hyperallergic, over fifty cultural workers, including employees from the American Folk Art Museum, the Brooklyn Museum, Dia Art Foundation, the Hispanic Society, the Museum of Modern Art, and the New Museum, voiced their concerns over the sudden layoffs that the museum claimed were necessary for its financial well-being.
The protestors filled the air with chants of “Guggenheim’s cheap!” “New York is a union town!” and “Up with the union, down with the layoffs!” One sign read, “Stop the Department of Guggenheim Efficiency,” alluding to the alarming job and funding reductions made under the Trump administration and by Elon Musk-led DOGE. Union members distributed red, orange, and green flyers to passersby, urging supporters to email Westermann to show their solidarity with the employees.
The 64-year-old Maureen Ahearn had held a role in the museum’s archives and library services at the Guggenheim since 1992. Her termination left her “disheartened” about her prospects for securing another position. She said, “I would like [museum leaders] to look at the people they’re laying off, and not just the numbers. They could have moved me to another job or decreased my salary, but there was no notice.”
Ellen Nigro, a Brooklyn Museum conservator was also present at the present. She noted, “The workers are the community, so by laying their workers off, the museum is taking away the livelihoods of its community members.”
Image Courtesy – Hyperallergic
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