The International African American Museum (IAAM) in Charleston, South Carolina, has furloughed all staff, including leadership, due to financial difficulties. The museum cited a shift in the political and funding environment, operating on a 10 to 20 percent deficit and losing some federal funding. The 20-day furloughs will be staggered between July 1 and December 31 to keep the museum open six days a week while it restructures its fundraising model.
This furlough reflects broader nationwide funding challenges for arts and cultural institutions. A 2025 survey by the American Alliance of Museums found that over a third of 500 US museum respondents had federal grants or contracts cut, and two-thirds of those could not replace the lost funds. The IAAM, which opened in 2023 after 20 years of planning at the historic Gadsden's Wharf, is a significant site for African American history and culture, making its financial struggles a bellwether for the sector.