I imagine that very few of us will be sorry to place 2020 in the rearview mirror. As professor Nancy Koehn of the Harvard Business School recently stated, we’ve each been struggling to live with and manage a “slow burning, high risk crisis.”
The stakes have been extraordinary for all of us. Since March, nothing has been easy. Indeed, the high-wire act of keeping the Museum financially stable and relevant continues to be remarkably challenging. It’s also been inspiring to see the fashion in which our staff and volunteer leadership have responded with great commitment and purpose.
To maintain our financial footing, it’s important to recognize that year over year, we have cut approximately $6 million from our pre-COVID budget. These cuts have forced us to question every facet of our enterprise. And yet, we know that while our business has changed, our mission has not. Indeed, we’ve remained focused on creatively serving our community at every step of the way—making what we do, and the resources we have, differently accessible.
As we continue this work, know that your financial contributions are more important than ever. In fact, your membership is the lifeblood of this institution. Consequently, while there are many needs within our community, I believe strongly enough in what we do, how we do it, and why we do it to ask that you not only continue your support but consider upgrading your membership during this intensely challenging moment.
Stated differently, we’re proud to be among the Southeastern United States’ cultural standard-bearers. But like never before, we need help holding that banner high. Thank you again for your membership, and when it’s time, please consider renewing at the highest level you’re able.
I look forward to seeing you at the Museum soon and often.
