In February there were layoffs (Jen Graves’ story here). After that the Henry Art Gallery curtailed its hours (closed on Tuesdays as well as Mondays.) Now nobody on staff is working full-time. From director to curators, education and development heads, everybody’s hours have been cut to 32. Soon: Why the Henry is worth a visit right this minute.
PS: Although the Henry is in no danger of closing or even starving itself into insignificance, it’s useful to remember the rule that applies to democracy too: Use it or lose it.
Dear Regina,
As a response to the concern voiced above, I am pleased to report that the Henry Art Gallery is strong. Managing and thriving in this economic recession calls for bold steps from Henry leadership. As Washington State’s oldest art museum (founded in 1927), the Henry has been through tough times before. What has sustained the organization through past highs and lows is the pioneering spirit that has made the Henry a cultural leader and model of innovation in the Pacific Northwest. Those distinguishing characteristics have never been stronger.
Like all arts organizations, our revenues have dropped significantly, endowment earnings are down, and state cuts have significantly reduced our funding. To that end, between January and May, we developed a long-range plan for operating under significantly different economic conditions. Measures taken included a reduction in force and in gallery hours. In addition, effective June 1, all Henry staff work hours and pay were reduced by 20%. All of us at the Henry—staff and Board alike—have worked hard in the past six months to determine how best to serve the community during a period of diminishing resources. Although the fiscal crisis greatly challenged us and called for sacrifices, we made our changes and ended the fiscal year, June 31, 2009, with a balanced budget. For the year ahead, we have a vigorous plan for providing access to art and artists at this time when the need for inspiration from the arts is more acute than ever.
In an effort to provide greater access to the Henry’s rich collection of over 22,000 objects, the Henry will establish a schedule of hours, starting in the fall, when visitors, student groups, and scholars can make appointments to view original works of art first-hand in the Henry’s Reed Collection Study Center. We have extended evening access and dedicated a weekday to scheduled tours and educational activities. In an exciting new initiative, the Henry is developing a “Creative Commons;” a place for students and general visitors to further their engagement with collections and exhibitions through both group- and self-directed activities and technological resources.
In the fall, the Henry will dedicate its south galleries to “Vortexhibition Polyphonica,” a yearlong series of installations from the permanent collection that will showcase recent acquisitions and unknown marvels from the Henry’s collections of photography, new media, textiles, costumes, ceramics, and Pacific Northwest art. And in 2010, the Henry will feature the first survey of international artist, Kiki Smith’s photographic works. We will also open a solo show of work by Isabelle Pauwels, the first winner of The Brink, a new biennial award granted to an early-career artist working in Washington, Oregon, or British Columbia. The award was initiated by Seattle collectors and Henry benefactors John and Shari Behnke.
In short, our commitment to innovation has never been stronger. While the challenges ahead are significant, the Henry Board and staff are buoyed by a sense of purpose. In the weeks and months ahead, I invite you to visit us often and join us in celebrating creativity, the value of ideas, and the restorative, life-sustaining power of the arts.
Sylvia Wolf, Director
Henry Art Gallery