Photo by Victoria Lynch
By: Katrina Bruno/Staff Writer
Budget cuts have affected nearly every department at the University in the past few years. However, the staff of the Patricia & Phillip Frost Art Museum remains optimistic.
The museum itself has gone through many changes since 2008. The Frost, which is located across the street from the Department of Theatre and directly in front of the Blue Garage, previously occupied a 3,000-foot space in the Primera Casa building at the Modesto Madique campus before its relocation and expansion. In 2008, it opened its doors again to the community in a new 46,000-foot state of the art and technologically advanced facility.
Running a museum the size of the Frost is no easy feat. In 2008, Carol Damian, director and chief curator at the museum, was hired to take on the task. Damian remained positive during the adjustment period the Frost experienced.
The museum currently has a $1.4 million budget, which is used for maintenance and upkeep, security and exhibits. Three years ago, the museum experienced a budget cut of $200,000. The next year they received an extra $270,000.
Although the museum received extra funding from the University, a gap remained. The larger facility, which has nine galleries and an auditorium, requires more money to upkeep.
“We had a budget that did not reflect the move from a smaller space to a larger facility,” Damian said. “My biggest concern when we made the move was staffing. We needed security and employees to help run the museum.”
According to Damian, technology has rewritten everything we know about museums. One new feature at the museum is QR Codes on each of the works. QR codes allow smart phone users to scan a barcode and receive instant information on their phone about that particular piece of art.
While describing her duties as director, Damian said it was important to maintain good relationships with donors and others whom might want to give money.
“I have the obligation to assist the assisting and to be realistic. I know that we cannot ask for money, because everyone needs money.”
The museum depends on outside funding, in addition to funding from the University, to operate. By reaching out to corporations and non-profit organizations, the museum is able to obtain additional funding. Two full-time employees are dedicated to this arduous task: Michael Hughes, director of development, and Kelly Brady-Rumble, grants specialist.
The museum also depends on endowments from individuals such as Steven and Dorthea Green and Jane Hsiao, a businesswoman who in 2007-2008 donated more than $1 million to the University. Endowments are important for the Frost because it allows for them to host their lecture series, exhibitions and programs.
In order to keep within its budget, the museum has had to adjust to the times.
“We rely more on social media and e-mail in order to save paper costs,” Damian said. “We also expand our exhibit schedules and search primarily for exhibits we can afford. We have been more creative with how we use our money.”
Douglas Wartzok, executive vice president and university provost, said in a brief interview with Student Media the Frost Museum has been doing a great job with the limited funding it receives. He believes the museum will begin to receive additional funding in the next few years.
Although times may seem tough when it comes to money, the Frost Museum holds its ground. By being fiscally responsible and creative when it comes to their funds, they are able to provide students with a unique on-campus museum experience.
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