GREENSBORO, N.C.– Several meetings were held with Greensboro City Council members Thursday to discuss what’s next for The International Civil Rights Center and Museum.
Museum officials are asking for $1.5 million over the next three years. The money would go towards a bank loan, a marketing position and operational costs.
The museum, which has been opened for three years, has had some setbacks, including low attendance and poor marketing.
“We are hoping that city council will step in and help us out,” said the museum’s co-founder, Skip Alston.
Alston said the museum also has tax credits it needs to pay back on top of its $200,000 a month in expenses.
Greensboro City Council-member Zack Matheny questions whether the museum is handling its finances correctly.
He said the city gave the museum nearly $1 million dollars for its grand opening, and that the city doesn’t typically loan money to organizations that don’t have the proper financials in place.
“Our Civil Rights Museum isn’t sustainable. We’re not going to give money to something that isn’t [sustainable],” Matheny said.
Alston said the museum has about 70,000 visitors a year.
Greensboro City Council could make a decision in the coming weeks.
