Institute of Contemporary Art, San Diego faces financial and leadership crisis
After the museum laid off almost half its staff over the summer, its main campus was shut down and employees are calling for the removal of its director
The Institute of Contemporary Art, San Diego (ICA) is grappling with significant financial and leadership challenges. Between July 29 and August 16, the museum laid off eight employees, including its only curator and director of learning and engagement. Prior to this, the ICA’s director of operations resigned on July 29. The museum’s main campus in Balboa Park has since closed to the public, while its satellite campus in Encinitas remains open for art classes and the Sculpture Trail.
In an unprecedented move, a letter of no confidence was sent to the ICA board by former and current staff members, demanding the removal of director Andrew Utt. The letter, referencing three years of financial instability, cited unpaid bills, bounced checks, and late payments, rendering the museum unable to meet payroll or sustain its public operations.
Staff members report that Utt's focus on revenue generation created tension between operational staff and executive leadership, leading to resource competition and strained relationships among departments. Former employee Dianna Elizardo emphasized the erosion of the museum's commitment to art and artists, stating that the focus had shifted towards revenue generation.
Utt's quick-fix solutions exacerbated the problem, causing departments to compete for limited resources. The museum's current exhibition, "Cat Gunn: if only by the light of a new moon," was prematurely closed, citing lack of communication and late payments by Utt's administration. Gunn, an artist in residence, faced delayed payments and was only able to start their residency in July 2025, six months after the initial payment was due.
Staff members report delayed paychecks, bounced checks, or no pay at all, in violation of California state labor laws. With multiple layoffs and cuts to programme funding, employees have been left to shoulder the responsibilities of those who left. Meanwhile, the ICA board is actively reviewing its finances and governance, but the artist and former staff members are calling for stronger protections for museum employees, including the possibility of forming a union.
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