MONTHLY MUSEUM POLL RECAP

May Museum Poll Recap: Are you projecting a decline in membership this year?

In May 2009, CAM heard from museums across the state about whether or not they were projecting a decline in membership revenue due to the unprecedented economic times. We asked if your museum expecting a decline in membership? How significant is this projected decrease? We invited participation in this poll to get a sense of how this important source of revenue is being affected by the down economy.

The results of the poll show that the respondents are split on the decision of projecting a decline in membership revenue for the next fiscal year. Exactly 50% of California museums have projected a decrease in memberships and 50% have not. The museums that have projected a decline projected less than a 20% decrease for the next fiscal year. Only one respondent has projected a 21-40% decline in museum membership revenue.

The following are additional responses provided by poll respondents:

“Membership continues to grow and we expect it to accelerate this year. It is possible we are viewed as a lower cost option in the local arts community when compared with much higher attendance costs at other venues.” - Anonymous

“Membership dues are definitely coming in slower. We're about 15% lower than last year at this time. We hope that people will delay, rather than completely cut, their membership support. For example, pay every 15 or 18 months instead of every 12 months.” - Anonymous

“Many members are reducing their membership level, but we are not losing a lot altogether. Recruiting new members is more difficult.” - Anonymous