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MSA FORWARD 2025
May 5-9, 2025
Educational Session Recording

International Perspectives: Political Changes and Loss of Government Funding - How the Commercial Side of Cultural Institutions are Responding

Presenter: Elizabeth Price

Session Description: 
The current U.S. administration has created more uncertainty for the cultural sector than ever before. Cuts and modifications such as the elimination of IMLS grant funding, the dissolution of the NEH and NEA, and changes to cultural institutions' nonprofit tax status are either here or coming soon. As a result, the commercial endeavors of institutions are becoming increasingly central, helping to fill gaps and ensure their continued success.

Join us to hear our European panelists discuss how museums there have been responding to shifts in government funding. Specifically, hear from Paul Sapwell, CEO of the Hampshire Cultural Trust, as he shares how his organization has navigated the challenging funding landscape for UK cultural institutions and the proactive, positive steps his team has taken to address these challenges. 

You will gain usable ideas such as how Marialya Bestougeff has helped the CENTQUATRE performing arts center diversify their charitable model through the creation of 104factory. Aurelie De Oliveria will share how the Château de Versailles e-shop offers a very successful digital shopping experience that is completely exclusive and differentiated from the in-store offerings. 

Knowledge Standards Addressed: 
Marketing & Communications
Visitor Relations
Operations
Merchandise Planning
Strategic Management