DaytonDailyNews.com

DAYTON — The Dayton Art Institute has reduced its work force by 9 percent, according to museum director Jan Driesbach.

Of the institution's 36 full-time employees, four positions were eliminated as of Wednesday, Jan. 7. In addition, two full-time jobs were reduced to part-time, and an equivalent of four-and-a-half part times jobs were cut by reducing the hours of 15 additional staffers.

Driesbach said the tough decisions were being made "in response to what is a very challenging economy and prospective fund raising."

"There is a very strong commitment of the board and myself to fiscal responsibility," said Driesbach, who declined to identify specific personnel, but said the cuts were made in the general areas of external affairs and development. Facilities personnel were also affected.

Senior management staff, she said, is taking a five percent pay cut and the museum's reception areas will be consolidated.

"The really tough part is that the people affected are talented and dedicated and wonderful," Driesbach said. She said she is hoping that the museum's "wonderful volunteer corps" will assist in filling gaps.

Driesbach said the DAI isn't alone. "In talking with other museum colleagues and professionals, staffing cutbacks are happening across the field. We tried to look at every way we could realize efficiency with the minimum of impact."

After the cuts, the DAI currently employs 89 people.