David Zwirner Gallery Lays Off 20% of Staff Amid Pandemic

David Zwirner Gallery has laid off 20% of its workforce, approximately 40 positions across its six locations in New York, London, Paris, and Hong Kong, effective July 1, 2020. The cuts primarily affect the New York offices. The decision follows a 30% projected revenue decline for the year, though the gallery still expects to close with a positive balance. Zwirner told ARTnews that he had avoided layoffs until July to assess the first two quarters of 2020, but a careful analysis revealed profound changes in the business that are unlikely to reverse before a vaccine or effective treatment for COVID-19 becomes available. He also stated he has not taken a salary since the crisis began. The reduction is attributed to the near-total disappearance of work in certain departments, including international fairs, business travel, and events. The gallery's total scheduled events (exhibitions and meetings) dropped from 84 in 2019 to just 23 in 2020, with no plans to increase that number despite easing restrictions. Zwirner is providing health insurance for laid-off employees for six months through the end of 2020. All gallery locations reopened on July 6 with limited capacity and anti-contagion measures, but with significantly fewer staff. The gallery plans to expand its online sales platform. This follows a similar wave of layoffs at Pace Gallery in New York.