Mar 26, 2020 Joe Kleiman Business, COVID-19, Museums, News, North America, World markets Comments Off on Science Museum of Minnesota lays off more than 400 during extended closure, shifts to online-only programming
The Science Museum of Minnesota has announced that it is shifting to online-only programming, while temporarily laying off 87% of its employees to curb expenses and maintain the long-term viability of one of Minnesota’s most significant scientific and cultural resources.
On Friday, March 13, the Science Museum temporarily closed to the public following guidance by Governor Walz and the Minnesota Department of Health to help slow the spread of COVID-19. “Closing was the right decision for the health and safety of our employees, volunteers and visitors, but it is creating a financial hardship during our busiest time of the year,” said CEO Alison Brown. “Temporarily laying off employees was a tough decision. It is unfortunately necessary as we consider the long-term viability of the museum.” The layoffs take effect on April 2. The Science Museum has been paying employees at their wage rate since March 13 and will continue to pay medical benefits through April 30.
The Science Museum has more than 500 employees; a modest number of employees will remain to provide essential functions such as security and maintenance and to provide online programming for teachers and families. The museum works with schools in all 87 Minnesota counties throughout the year to provide outreach programs and field trips. It will now shift its focus to delivering those experiences and information online during the pandemic. Resources are available now on smm.org; new content will be added daily.
“Accurate and relevant scientific information is needed in our society now more than ever,” said Brown. “The Science Museum plays a leading role in engaging our community in science, which is so important in situations that require evidence-based decisions, like this pandemic. We are working quickly to make our STEM resources and learning programs available online and widely accessible.”
The Science Museum is also asking donors to continue to provide financial support and contact their state and federal legislators to ensure cultural institutions are included in emergency economic relief legislation.
“We are operating off of a 12-week closure plan,” said Brown. “We hope that it doesn’t last that long, but we are also planning for if it needs to last even longer. This is a challenging time for everyone, and we are doing everything we can to protect this cultural resource for Minnesotans.”
Comments Off on Editorial: For specialty cinema, Cosm and DomeX are signs of recovery and optimism
Comments Off on San Diego Zoo Safari Park gorillas recovering from SARS-CoV-2
Comments Off on Museums Evolving conference goes virtual for second year in a row due to COVID-19 pandemic
Comments Off on Whitney Hines joins Luci Creative as Senior Project Manager
Jan 26, 2021 Comments Off on InPark exclusive: Two new attractions grace the City of Sails
Jan 26, 2021 Comments Off on Evans & Sutherland, Spitz, and LiveLike VR join immersive forces as Cosm
Jan 25, 2021 Comments Off on Making sense of Diversity & Inclusion in themed entertainment
Jan 22, 2021 Comments Off on Looking forward, WhiteWater redefines leadership team
Dec 29, 2020 Comments Off on Cedar Fair seeks Corporate Director, Communications
The position will lead strategy development and execution...Dec 28, 2020 Comments Off on Pursuit seeks Financial Analyst, FP&A
This role will focus on all aspects of financial planning...Dec 26, 2020 Comments Off on AOA seeks Show Set Designer
There will be a great deal of freedom, which will be...Dec 09, 2020 Comments Off on Visualization firm THE THIRD FLOOR has openings for a variety of positions
THE THIRD FLOOR is currently seeking Postvis Generalists,...Dec 09, 2020 Comments Off on CineVenture seeks 3D character animator
CineVenture develops high-end content for the global...