Walker Art Center Announces Reduced Programming and Hours of Operation Related to COVID Precautions Resulting in Layoff of Some Part-Time Staff

In a message to employees earlier today, the Executive Director of the Walker Art Center, Mary Ceruti, conveyed plans to reopen on July 16, and that changes in operations and reduced programming related to the Coronavirus pandemic have resulted in reduced hours for public facing staff.

These changes mean that the Walker will not have enough shifts to maintain current staffing levels for all of the visitor-facing staff.  “I am sad to have to share that as of July 1, we will be laying off a total of 15 part-time staff between the Walker Shop and Visitor Services, and 18 part-time Gallery Assistants. I know this is difficult news for everyone to hear and most difficult for those who will be leaving the Walker.” stated Ceruti. “The reduction of our hours, programs and operations was determined through a complex process as we took in information from medical and public health experts, economists, staff, colleagues, artistic partners, and our audiences.”

The Walker temporarily closed to the public on March 13.  In late March, employees were told that all staff, including all part-time and contracted staff, would be paid through May 30. Upon receiving a loan through the Paycheck Protection Program, the Walker extended that commitment through June 30.

The organization is projecting a $5.7 million drop in revenue or the equivalent of 26% of last year’s operating budget. To address this shortfall and balance the budget, Walker leadership is looking to every lever to maintain and realize income, reduce non-essential expenses, and tap reserve funds to maintain programming and staff. As part of the effort to balance the budget, the Walker will freeze all salaries and reduce its 403b pension contribution by 1%. In addition, the Executive Director is taking a 20% pay cut and senior leadership will take 10% pay cuts.