Great museums can drive tourism, and the Bay Area has no shortage of world class institutions. But museums everywhere are facing rising costs, declining fundraising support, and lower attendance. Last month, the Cal Academy of Sciences laid off more than fifty employees. Yet, public support for museums remains high, museums’ clientele has steadily diversified and many museums are managing to do well. With summer around the corner, we’ll check in on the state of Bay Area museums.

Guests:

Lori Fogarty, executive director, Oakland Museum of California

Dr. Soyoung Lee, The Barbara Bass Bakar Director and CEO, Asian Art Museum

Sarah Hotchkiss, senior editor, KQED Arts & Culture

Laura Zander, chief growth and operating officer, Exploratorium

Teddy Vollman, chapter president, CalAcademy Workers United

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