Museums Moving Forward Survey: Poor Management Drives 66% of Museum Workers Out
In 2023, the Los Angeles-based nonprofit Museums Moving Forward (MMF) released results from its Former Art Museum Workers Study, conducted in 2026, which surveyed 681 former employees of U.S. art museums. A significant 66% of respondents indicated that inadequate management, mainly from executives and boards, was a key factor in their departure. Concerns about management increased from 73% before 2020 to 92% in 2026. Furthermore, 84% felt there were insufficient growth opportunities, 79% faced burnout, and 78% complained about low salaries. Political climates impacted DEAI staff, with 54% leaving between 2022 and 2024. Among DEAI committee members, 52% were skeptical about potential improvements in museums. Those transitioning to other sectors reported better flexibility (73%), pay (64%), and opportunities for advancement (55%). The study commenced on October 15, 2026.
Key facts
- Museums Moving Forward released the 2026 Former Art Museum Workers Study with 681 respondents
- 66% of former workers cited poor management as a major reason for leaving
- Management was defined as executive staff, chiefly the museum director and board members
- Citing management as a major or minor reason rose from 73% before 2020 to 92% in 2026
- 84% cited lack of growth opportunities, 79% burnout, and 78% low pay
- 54% of DEAI professionals left the field between 2022 and 2024
- Political climate as a reason rose from 11% pre-2020 to 46% in 2026
- 52% of DEAI committee members, 45% of them BIPOC, doubt museums can change for the better
- MMF opened its biannual study on October 15, seeking respondents through December 15
Entities
Institutions
- Museums Moving Forward
- Glasstire
Locations
- Los Angeles
- United States