Thur Nov 20th: Struggle

Struggle: verb
to be coping with inability to perform well or to win; contend with difficulty

Hard times have not left the art world untouched; the LA times announced on November 19th that the Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA) has fallen on financial difficulties. According to the times, Museum Director Jeremy Strick said MOCA is "seeking large cash infusions from donors, and this week he did not rule out the possibility of merging with another institution or sharing its collection of almost 6,000 artworks."
The museum has relied on donors for about 80% of its annual $20 million budget. While the museum is not disclosing any of its current financial figures, but it has announced a six-month closure of the Geffen Contemporary exhibition space, in effort to cut operating costs. Thus far, MOCA has made no staff cuts.
In discussing options for the museum, director Strick said "All the possibilities being explored involve MOCA retaining its identity, continuing its program, expanding its collection", adding "I think it is time for this city to step forward and offer the kind of financial support commensurate with the work being done."
In comforting news, MOCA has not resorted to what many other institutions have been forced to; sell the highest valued works in effort to keep the establishments afloat. This contradicts the standard museum code of ethics. Stricks response to the pressure to sell: "our mission is preserving and protecting this collection."