How can cultural institutions operate effectively without full-time staff? This question is at the heart of a survey conducted by Museum Hue, which assessed organizations founded and led by people of color (POC) in the Northeastern United States. The findings are concerning: over a third of these institutions reported having no full-time employees.
The survey, which included 38 participants, revealed that 18 of these are smaller-budget organizations with annual budgets of $500,000 or less. Alarmingly, 67% of these institutions operate without any full-time staff, with some subsisting on less than $100,000 annually, heavily depending on volunteer efforts. These challenges are part of broader struggles faced by POC-led cultural centers striving to highlight overlooked histories and art forms.
Despite limited resources, these institutions play a vital role in preserving arts and culture for marginalized communities. Among the participating Indigenous, Black, Asian, and Latine-led organizations, 91% dedicated their collections to underrepresented groups, and 84% emphasized their strength in sharing lesser-known stories. As Robert Lee of the Asian American Arts Centre noted, their establishment in 1974 was a necessary act to assert cultural presence and significance.
The “HueArts and Culture Northeast” report, three years in the making due to a suspended government grant, presents qualitative data collected by Slover Linnett from the National Opinion Research Center. With insights from museum leaders, the report outlines current challenges and future objectives, offering recommendations for Museum Hue’s upcoming virtual platform aimed at fostering support among institutions.
Financial sustainability emerged as a primary concern, with federal support for operations significantly declining from 25% to 4% between FY22 and FY23, while foundation contributions increased. Adrienne Lei highlighted that 2021–22 saw unusual federal funding due to COVID-related initiatives. However, limited staff capacity continues to hinder funding access, with many institutions struggling to engage in donor development or complete grant applications. Despite these hurdles, leaders like Yvonne Smart emphasize self-sufficiency, relying on community support to sustain their operations and maintain accessibility.
