The Speed Art Museum located in Louisville, Kentucky, has terminated its educational programming department and laid off nine staff members, citing financial struggles.
Last month, the museum revealed that it would disband its Learning, Engagement, and Belonging Department, which was responsible for programs aimed at local K-12 students, among other initiatives. As Kentucky’s oldest and largest museum, the Speed Art Museum has been a nonprofit organization for a century and boasts an extensive collection of artworks.
In a statement released on September 19, the museum acknowledged having experienced “unprecedented growth over the past few years,” yet those expansions did not lead to increased funding.
“Like many nonprofits, the Speed Art Museum is grappling with a difficult financial landscape,” the statement noted. “The Board of Trustees, which governs the museum, is making critical organizational decisions aimed at positioning the institution for strategic growth and long-term sustainability. This includes the closure of the Learning, Engagement & Belonging Department.”
A spokesperson for the museum indicated to Hyperallergic that the Board of Trustees approved a budget that necessitated a 30% reduction in operating expenses. To meet these constraints, the spokesperson mentioned that the museum aimed to maintain “non-negotiables,” which include security and maintenance of the building.
According to Louisville Public Media, all educational tours will be put on hold indefinitely following the department’s closure, and this year’s Día de Los Muertos celebration, typically organized by the now-closed department, is also canceled. Additionally, a workshop for senior artists and school programs have been scrapped. The department previously served around 20,000 individuals, including both adults and students, as reported by Louisville Public Media.
However, some programs from the department will carry on, such as the Art Sparks interactive gallery. The spokesperson confirmed that school tours will eventually resume after a brief hiatus.
“Education and community engagement are fundamental to our mission. Although the methods we use to deliver these initiatives are changing, our dedication to them remains steadfast,” the spokesperson told Hyperallergic. “We must adapt to the economic realities of today to ensure the Speed continues to serve Kentucky for generations to come.”
As part of this restructuring, nine employees connected to the now-inactive department were laid off, including the director, an associate director for school engagement, two teaching artists, and two facilitators for the Art Sparks program, which is designed for audiences of all ages. The museum’s public statement indicated that severance packages were negotiated for the impacted unionized staff.
Hyperallergic has reached out to the Speed Art Museum Workers United union for additional comments.
This announcement was made just days before the unveiling of the museum’s new three-acre Elizabeth P. and Frederick K. Cressman Art Park, a $22 million sculpture garden that was created through a capital campaign. The museum mentioned in their October 1 announcement that the park aims to provide students and families equitable access to public green spaces and cultural enrichment.
The museum’s tax documents for Fiscal Year 2024 indicate a rise in both revenue and expenditures compared to the previous fiscal year. Approximately 68% of the museum’s income is derived from private donations, while revenue from program services was a mere 3.2% in 2024. The museum reported a deficit of nearly $2.5 million for 2023.
