Turbulent Times at the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston

On January 30, 2026, the Museum of Fine Arts (MFA) Boston made headlines with a significant workforce reduction, announcing the layoff of 33 employees—amounting to 6.3% of its workforce—along with the elimination of 28 job vacancies. This decision has stirred debate and concern among museum staff, visitors, and the broader community about the implications for diversity, equity, and inclusion within one of America’s most renowned art institutions.

Financial Struggles and Structural Deficit

According to a press release dated January 28, the MFA cited a structural deficit as the driving force behind these layoffs. Senior Manager of Public Relations Olga Khvan elaborated in an interview that the museum is grappling with a $13 million debt. The institution’s annual financial reports reveal that constraints arose post-COVID-19, despite a rebound in attendance—971,000 visitors in 2024, surpassing pre-pandemic levels by 37%. Yet, this figure remains below the 1.35 million visitors recorded in 2019, reflecting ongoing challenges that have not fully healed since the pandemic’s onset.

Layoff Controversies and Community Concerns

The abrupt nature of the layoffs has raised alarms, especially concerning the demographics of those affected. Numerous noteworthy positions were eliminated, including dedicated curatorial roles linked to marginalized communities. Those laid off included Assistant Curator of Islamic Art Nadirah Mansour and Assistant Curator of Native American Art Marina Tyquiengco, alongside Theo Tyson, the sole Black curator at the MFA. As evidenced by a February 2 open letter from over 130 faculty and staff at the Massachusetts College of Art and Design, there is considerable concern that these cuts disproportionately targeted minority staff members.

A petition on Change.org demanding the reinstatement of these employees has garnered nearly 2,000 signatures, emphasizing the value of representation in arts curation. The petition highlighted Mansour’s unique position as one of the few practicing Muslims curating Islamic art at a major museum. The visible discontent surrounding these layoffs sparked conversations about systemic inequities, as many observers noted the higher-than-normal representation of minority staff among those let go.

Voices from the Community

Boston-based content creator Ayia Elsadig took to Instagram to express frustrations about the layoffs, which she contended seemed to target minority staff inadvertently. Her post, now with over 57,800 likes, has resonated with many who value diversity within cultural institutions. Elsadig raised concerns that the layoffs coincide with a broader national trend impacting diversity and inclusion initiatives, particularly given the socio-political climate under the current administration that has seen a crackdown on DEI programs across various organizations.

Moreover, additional voices, such as that of Evelyn Mayberger, chief steward for the MFA Union, spotlight how crucial it is to examine the layoffs in context. Mayberger did not receive prior notice of the cuts and emphasized that the union is requesting clarity on the reasons behind the decisions. With the union advocating for transparency and possibly reinstatement for some employees, the atmosphere remains tense as internal discussions unfold.

Investigating Causes and Addressing Challenges

The MFA acknowledges its historical budgetary issues, with previous staffing cuts occurring as recently as 2020, when 57 employees were laid off. Although Khvan confirmed that the museum aims to maintain its internship program and has plans to focus on integrating diversity values across all departments, concerns linger about the effectiveness of these measures in light of recent staffing changes.

Tracy Brown, the now-former Director of Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Access (IDEA) at the MFA, was among those let go. Although Brown was not specifically mentioned in open letters or the petition, her presence was pivotal in driving diversity initiatives forward. The perception that their commitment to these values may be faltering undercuts the MFA’s previous efforts to rebuild trust with marginalized communities following incidents of racist treatment experienced by school groups in 2019.

Looking Forward: Changes and Community Impact

Reactions from former employees further illuminate the multifaceted impact of the layoffs. Connie Chong, a recent Northeastern University graduate who spent four years working in the MFA’s library, expressed dismay at the decision to cut positions she felt were essential for community representation. Reflecting on her experiences, Chong noted the importance of leaders within the museum taking responsibility for sustainable, inclusive practices moving forward. Her sentiments echo a broader call for organizations to prioritize their workforce’s well-being and diversity.

As the MFA engages with its union and other stakeholders to navigate these turbulent times, the future of its workforce—and the broader landscape of representation in cultural institutions—remains uncertain.