US museums are facing unprecedented pressures – but remain resilient

Funding cuts at the Institute of Museums and Library Services (IMLS) in the US are more insult than injury. The IMLS receives a small portion of the federal budget, and the cuts seem to be a pointed move to undermine arts and culture organisations.

Similar policies and rhetoric from Donald Trump’s administration have placed unprecedented pressures on museums, from drastic funding cuts to ideological battles over content, creating an existential threat to the preservation of America's cultural landscape.

While the IMLS tends to be a minor funding source for large organisations, used for special projects that draw new visitors and media attention, these institutions face different pressures under the current administration.

For example, the Smithsonian is under immense stress from the White House to eliminate programming that does not align with the current administration's agenda. Despite promises from Smithsonian’s secretary to stay committed to the museum’s mission and preserve the country's rich heritage, the organisation may face funding cuts and layoffs.

IMLS plays a significant role in creating shared data and resources for museums to access and use. The organisations that cuts will impact the most are smaller museums, especially those that rely on grants for essential projects and benchmarking resources. While private companies offer similar services, they often come at a high cost.

It is critical that museums foster deep connections with audiences to understand their values and what makes them engage. The IMLS was a source of data and benchmarking for many museums, using shared insights and resources to prioritise programming that reflects the needs and interests of their communities. Cuts to these resources represent a loss of crucial resources to turn casual visitors into lifelong supporters.

Remaining resilient

Smaller institutions can draw valuable lessons from San Francisco Museum of Modern Art’s (SFMOMA) success with its Get in the Game exhibition, which explores how sport and culture interact and influence one other.

The museum’s focus on the communal aspects of sports, rather than the specifics of the games, allowed it to bridge diverse interests to engage the community in new ways.

Identifying overlapping interests and tailoring experiences to resonate with specific audience segments can help even resource-strapped organisations extend their reach and relevance.

Leveraging community insights, particularly during political and economic uncertainty, can help smaller institutions reaffirm their role as spaces for connection, dialogue and education.

With diversity, culture, and inclusion all on the Trump administration's chopping block, museum boards need to get serious about planning to mitigate damage from this existential threat.

For heritage and historical institutions, audience engagement isn’t just a marketing strategy; it’s a lifeline that can shield institutions during political or financial uncertainty by building a foundation of trust and loyalty that can sustain organisations through even the most volatile climates.

Alexa Magladry is the North America director at MHM