The Museum of Fine Arts (MFA) in Boston has announced the layoff of 33 employees, representing a 6.3% decrease in its workforce, effective Friday. Karen Frascona, the museum’s Director of Communications, informed Hyperallergic that 16 of the affected positions are held by union members and that roles across curatorial, operational, and management levels are impacted. Additionally, the museum has chosen to eliminate 23 vacant positions.
Frascona highlighted the museum’s willingness to engage with the union, indicating plans to organize a preliminary bargaining session promptly. Chelsea Farrell, a representative for Local 2110 UAW, expressed the union’s deep concern over the increased workload for remaining staff. Farrell emphasized the detrimental impact of reducing staff who are integral to the museum’s success.
MFA Boston Director Pierre Terjanian, who replaced Matthew Teitelbaum last July, explained to the Boston Globe that these layoffs are crucial for addressing a projected $13 million deficit. He noted that staff compensation accounts for 55% of the museum’s annual expenses, with the cuts expected to save about $5.4 million. The museum is also considering selling a substantial plot of land in Hopkinton, Massachusetts.
The MFA Boston union, established in 2020 following significant staff reductions due to the pandemic, secured its first contract in 2022, which included various benefits for over 200 employees. The union plans to meet with the museum to discuss retention strategies and ensure shared sacrifices among leadership if further layoffs occur.
Among those affected is Paul McAlpine, a longtime employee in the library and archives, who expressed uncertainty about his future after losing his job and benefits. The layoffs echo similar reductions at cultural institutions nationwide, and a social media petition has identified key staff members such as Marina Tyquiengco and Nadirah Mansour among the impacted. McAlpine remarked on the sadness of the situation for Boston, underscoring the importance of valuing staff, visitors, and artists.
