Further on Christopher’s post from this morning, here’s more info on the Art Institute layoffs, from the Chicago Tribune:

“The Art Institute of Chicago has laid off 22 employees, or 3 percent of its staff, as part of a larger series of cost-cutting measures.

Spokeswoman Erin Hogan said Friday that the cuts were made across the board and take effect immediately. Employees were notified Thursday.

“Of course we did everything we could to not go to this point,” Hogan said. “All departments have for months been reducing their operating budgets.”

Hogan added that new Modern Wing, which opened last month, “has been incredibly successful and it’s in part due to the success of the building that the cuts were not deeper.”

In a statement issued Friday, the Art Institute said its other cost-cutting measures include a voluntary 10 percent pay cut for the director, a weeklong unpaid furlough for employees and a salary freeze. Public research hours at the Ryerson and Burnham Libraries will also be reduced, the statement said.”

Claudine Isé