Cultural landmark of Bellevue is facing unparalleled challenges, forcing the museum to close its doors.

Bellevue, WA—September 04, 2024 — It is with deep regret that the Bellevue Arts Museum (BAM) announces its closure to the public, effective Wednesday September 4, 2024. This marks the conclusion of an era for a cultural, educational, and community cornerstone. The museum has a longstanding commitment to providing exhibitions, cross-cultural programming, and events, including the iconic Bellevue Arts Fair.  BAM leadership is committed to managing the Arts Fair in 2025, even though programs and exhibitions will cease.  BAM, like most American museums, has been affected by revenue losses amid drops in attendance, fundraising, and retail sales since the end of the pandemic. Despite the museum's best efforts to overcome significant financial challenges, BAM can no longer sustain its operations. 

“BAM was established almost 50 years ago and was largely the product of volunteerism and a drive to give the Eastside community access to the arts year round. Over 23 years ago, the museum moved into the ambitious and now iconic Steven Holl building, constructed with the idea to ‘See, Explore, Make.’  Generations of Bellevueites have supported this museum and we are deeply proud of the exhibitions and programming we have produced.  Unfortunately, the financial model in the new building has never been sustainable and it has relied too heavily on “one-time” big donors.  We are caught in a cycle of financial instability that prevents us from reaching our potential.  Still, I am incredibly grateful for the staff, the board, the docents, the advisory council, our members and everyone who has taken the time to visit or support our museum,” said Kate Casprowiak Scher, Executive Director of BAM.

As a not-for-profit organization, BAM relies heavily on grants, donations, and the support of sponsors. However, the museum is not fully funded by these means, and the combination of reduced donations, rising operational costs, and a decline in visitor numbers post-pandemic has left BAM in an increasingly unsustainable position.

"Closing the museum is not a decision we take lightly," said Scher. "We have explored many different paths to keep our doors open.  We have reached out to government, corporate and community stakeholders but have consistently come up short.  There is great hesitancy to invest in an institution with preexisting financial issues.  I find it frustrating because I know we have immense potential to serve the public and build Bellevue’s cultural identity.   This is not just a loss for the museum, but for the entire Bellevue community. We understand the disappointment and sadness this news will bring, and we share in those feelings."

According to Board President, Jay Pathy, “Kate has been a remarkable leader during these challenging times, tirelessly working to secure the future of BAM. Her dedication and creativity in the face of adversity have been nothing short of extraordinary. Kate has led efforts to increase fundraising, engage with the community, and advocate for the importance of the arts in our region. The financial realities left BAM with no other option but to close.”

Earlier this year, the museum launched the SAVE BAM campaign and successfully raised over $350,000 in six weeks.  Without the support of the community BAM would have closed much earlier.  Unfortunately, this call for support did not successfully engage our community’s largest stakeholders.  BAM is incredibly grateful to all who did contribute, their support enabled us to operate for several more months and to host the beloved Bellevue Arts Fair. 

BAM is proud of being a vital part of the community, offering exceptional exhibitions and programs that have touched the lives of countless individuals. “The impact of our closure will be felt deeply by those who have come to rely on the museum as a place of learning, inspiration, and connection. Schools, families, and individuals who visit BAM regularly as part of their educational and personal journeys will feel this loss acutely”, states Pathy.

As BAM closes its doors, the BAM-Fam remains hopeful that this might not be the end, but rather the beginning of a new chapter. The museum filed for Receivership today; leadership has determined this is the best path towards protecting our community’s asset and restructuring the institution.  Receivership represents unchartered territory for BAM; however, it opens a chance of much needed reinvention and partnership.  Bellevue Arts Museum will keep a small transitional staff to support a reorganization, run private events and manage Arts Fair 2025.

“We extend our deepest gratitude to everyone who has supported BAM over the years. Your belief in the power of art and culture has been our greatest strength, and we hope that, in time, we may find a way to bring that spirit back to life in a new and sustainable form”, says Pathy.

For further information, please contact: [email protected]

ABOUT BELLEVUE ARTS MUSEUM

The mission of the Bellevue Arts Museum is Engaging people in the power of art, craft and design. bellevuearts.org

 Learn more about history of Bellevue Arts Museum 

Learn more about BAM Arts Fair

Learn more about SAVE BAM Campaign

Message From the Executive Director

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Image:  courtesy of the Bellevue Arts Museum