Walker Art Center cuts budget; eliminates 9 positions
by Chris Roberts, Minnesota Public RadioSt. Paul, Minn. — The Walker Art Center is cutting its operating budget by 8 percent in the coming fiscal year, and eliminating nine positions.
The Walker says the cutbacks are due to the recession's impact on the museum's endowment, earned income and charitable contributions, which are flat or in decline.
The Walker didn't specify which positions were being eliminated, but a spokesperson says they span the institution, including programming and support staff.
The Walker also announced that director Olga Viso will give back 10 percent of her salary and benefits in the upcoming fiscal year, which begins July 1. The layoffs amount to 6 percent of the Walker's total workforce.
