As you may have read recently in the Ventura County Star or Pacific Coast Business Times, the Museum of Ventura County is at a critical financial crossroads. We must secure significant financial support if we are to continue operations and service as our county’s historical archivist, library, gallery and producer of cultural programming.
The community’s response to this news has been heartwarming. In response to an e-mail we sent informing donors of our critical situation, hundreds helped out by showing our Ventura City Council leaders how much you support this core institution through letters, phone calls, e-mails and more.
Well over 100 supporters were there at the City Council meeting on Monday, July 10, to speak, provide comment cards, or simply be a visible advocate for the Museum. The Ventura City Council unanimously supported the Museum’s request for support to launch a “reinvention plan.” The specific motion included the following:
- The Museum will receive $125,000 for six months
- Funding is contingent on County support
- During that six months, the Museum must make and demonstrate real progress in the following action areas:
- Develop a sustainable business model;
- Conserve the collections;
- Develop a new vision for the Museum;
- Establish the endowment and secure private and other public-sector support.
- If the Museum demonstrates progress as measured by specific milestones, the City may continue to provide funding
These are appropriate and reasonable requests. As the Interim Director, I feel that requiring the Museum to satisfy specific milestones in order to continue to receive funding shows responsible stewardship of public funds. I am 100% positive that with the County’s support, we can meet or even exceed these expectations, and prove our commitment to addressing core inefficiencies over the next six months.
Last week, it was gratifying to see two major editorials supporting the Museum, one in the Pacific Coast Business Times and one in the Ventura County Star. We’re encouraged to know that the Museum, its programs, and collections have such stalwart support.
The County of Ventura is currently considering our funding proposal, and we hope to be on a public Board of Supervisors agenda by the end of this month. I will keep you informed of the date, as soon as I hear.
On behalf of the board and staff of the Museum, thank you for your amazing support.
Elena Brokaw
Interim Director, Museum of Ventura County
Our Mission: The Museum of Ventura County, through its collections, exhibits, educational programs and publications, celebrates the history, art, and culture of Ventura County and the Channel Islands.