By BRETT ZONGKER
The Associated PressWASHINGTON — After the Great Recession swept through, the Delaware Art Museum had laid off half its staff, cut salaries and lost crucial support from corporations. Yet attendance was up last year at the Wilmington museum, reflecting the same trend museums have seen across the country because of declining funding and increased demand from schools and "staycationers."
A report being released Monday by the American Association of Museums shows more than 70 percent of the nation's museums were under financial distress last year because most saw government and corporate funding reduced from an already bad year in 2009. At the same time, half of the nearly 400 museums in the survey reported increased attendance and educational programs. The median admission price remained $7 for adults.
"I think the survey results show a real commitment to the work of museums, that people would rather freeze hiring and lay off staff than reduce the service they're providing to the American people," said Philip Katz, the museum association's assistant director for research.
For many, budgets continued to decline for 2011. ............(more)
The complete piece is at:
http://www.ajc.com/news/nation-world/us-museums-face-financial-913237.html