"The National Gallery is to make serious cuts, with a significant number of staff expected to leave, in the face of a £8.2m deficit in the coming year. Running costs have increased considerably in recent years, with income now stagnant. The looming cuts will also impact the exhibition programme. In a statement to The Art Newspaper, a spokesperson says that the gallery will "be stopping several of our activities where, for a number of reasons beyond our control, we can no longer justify their costs". Initially there will be a "voluntary exit scheme" available to all staff of the National Gallery and its commercial arm. If this does not raise sufficient savings, then compulsory redundancies are possible."
"This news comes after the gallery's announcement last September that it had received pledges of £150m each (from Michael Moritz's Crankstart foundation and the Julia Rausing Trust) for its planned major new extension, scheduled for completion in the early 2030s. These donations are ring-fenced and the project is expected to continue as planned. Until today's news of cuts there was little indication of the growing deficit."
The National Gallery faces an £8.2m deficit in the coming year and plans serious cuts that will lead to a significant number of staff leaving. Running costs have risen considerably in recent years while income has stalled, and the cuts will affect the exhibition programme. An initial voluntary exit scheme will be offered to all staff and the gallery's commercial arm; compulsory redundancies are possible if savings are insufficient. Separate £150m pledges for a planned extension are ring-fenced and the project will continue. Visitor numbers remain below pre-Covid levels despite a record Van Gogh exhibition boost.
Read at The Art Newspaper - International art news and events
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