Museums Will Get Financial Relief, But Damage Could Be Long-Lasting

Congress has reached an agreement on a new coronavirus relief bill, including funding for cultural institutions and local museums that have been closed throughout the pandemic.

The proposal would send $15 billion in aid to live event venues, movie theaters and museums.

Many of L.A.’s indoor museums are in desperate need of the relief, having been closed since March. The shutdowns have prompted the institutions to find new ways to engage their communities.

Michael Govan, the director of the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA), believes the pandemic could have a lasting impact on the local and national art scenes.

“The loss of revenue, the loss of just being in touch with your audience for philanthropic sellers; a lot won't survive,” he said. “All of us are really suffering, and just trying to hold everything together through this.”