Edhat Staff
By the edhat staff
After 47 years, the Museum of Contemporary Art Santa Barbara (MCA) plans to close this August citing financial struggles.
The MCA sent a press release Tuesday afternoon notifying the community of its pending closure.
The museum opened in 1976 as the Contemporary Art Forum and in 1990 moved into its current home above the Paseo Nuevo Mall in downtown Santa Barbara.
“A safe space, supporting the voices and views of our community members, MCASB has provided a critical platform for the investigation of our pasts and our potential futures. From grassroots gatherings of artists and activists to educational programs created to support previously underserved communities within our county, MCASB has held at its core a person-first approach to service,” the MCA announcement stated.
MCA cites financial hardships following the pandemic with repeated efforts to reach necessary operation goals falling short.
In 2019, the museum lost more than $1.2 million and $1.7 million the following year, reports The Independent.
“We are honored to have been able to serve thousands of individuals from the Central Coast and beyond for almost fifty years through the support of our fellow art lovers, artists, educators, non-profit leaders, government officials, and curious passersby. Our team is deeply grateful for the genuine appreciation expressed daily by our members, visitors, supporters, artists, and collaborative partners,” the statement read.
The museum will close its doors to the public on August 28, 2022, although it has begun conversations with community partners and supporters to evaluate the feasibility of preserving its Emerging Leaders in the Arts and Teen Arts Collective programs.
What’s the confusion? This place allowed young artists to share their feelings through art, with no criticism. Yeah….. a “safe space.” Triggered?
LUVADUCK and everyone else – the city is not allowing an art museum to fail just so it can “buy” a soccer team. My god folks. This is Santa Barbara, we can afford to do more than one thing at a time. But most importantly, the “City” does not purchase private art galleries OR buy soccer teams.
I get it, a lot of you hate the idea of some of us being able to enjoy professional sports in our town, but get over it. It’s getting silly now.