AN ANNOUNCEMENT REGARDING THE FUTURE OF THE BEAD MUSEUM
January 21, 2011 - Dear Museum Supporter:
Two years ago I took over as Director of The Bead Museum at a time when the museum’s finances were at their lowest point and we were facing imminent closure. Since that time through the generosity of volunteers, the community, and donors from around the world we were able to right the ship and position the museum to remain viable in order to continue the public’s access to this important collection. The Board and I are proud of what we have accomplished in the last two years but we must face facts.
The downturn in the economy has taken its toll on many non-profits. The Bead Museum is no exception. Despite reducing staff to the lowest possible level, a 48% cut in expenses from $453,000 in 2008 to a projected budget of $216,000 in 2011, and securing temporary funding from new sources, we have continued to struggle with meeting the operating expenses necessary to remain a viable stand alone museum.
Additionally, we are now faced with new hardships in obtaining grants which we previously received. Grant requirements in 2010 have changed significantly for some institutions that have historically supported the museum. An additional impact is found in the newly tightened federal requirements for gift receiving placing donors under higher scrutiny. Both these situations jeopardize the survival of small organizations and nonprofits.
While the museum’s ending cash balance has been declining during 2010, we have slowed the decline with several special events and one-time grants. The severity of our financial situation fully materialized in December when major fund-raising projects failed to bring in the projected revenue.
We know that preserving and displaying this collection is our top priority, whether that is in our current model as a stand-alone museum or as part of a larger collection in another museum.
The City of Glendale has been very supportive over the years. While we prefer to extend the life and viability of the Museum in our current location in the historic district of downtown Glendale, we need to examine all options to preserve the collections and the public’s access.
Towards that end, the board has agreed to look into the following options:
- Partnering with another museum/ business/institution/family foundation who might be interested in helping subsidize museum expenses in its current location.
- Partner with another Museum by moving to their location.
- Become an “adoptive” or “orphan” collection which would go to other museums. The collection would be relocated and possibly dispersed (nationally and/or internationally).
The Board and I felt it important to communicate the current status of The Bead Museum in the hope that someone might come forward with a substantial multiple year donation, to help us stay where we are or be able to help us find a new home where the collection can be preserved and shared with the world.
Please contact me, Kelly Norton, directly with any opportunities for the Board to consider before making a final decision at the end of January.
Sincerely,
Kelly Norton Brinley Liese Thomas
Executive Director Chairman of the Board