WEEKLY STAFF NEWS | 02.01.2021
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
COVID Update
The lifting of California’s stay-at-home order last week has no impact on Getty operations. Rates of COVID in Los Angeles County continue to be very high, well above the levels established by public health officials for museums or offices to reopen. We will continue our protocol that only employees whose work is critical to protecting and maintaining our property will work on site. We also continue all our safety protocols to keep workers safe, including on-site testing. Since mid-November, there have been 71 COVID cases among workers regularly coming to our sites. Combined with cases reported over the summer, Getty has reached the milestone of 100 cases. All employees who are eligible to receive vaccines are encouraged to make appointments to receive them. Many employees have had success making appointments at Dodger Stadium. For additional information about COVID vaccines, consult Getty Human Resources’ COVID resources webpage.
COVID Safety and Vaccine Survey Extended
The survey to gather employee feedback on whether you are feeling safe, and to hear your current perspectives on the vaccine, has been extended through today, February 1. An email was sent to all Getty email addresses on January 20 from Mercer Sirota with a personalized link to the survey. Reminders have also been sent to anyone who has not completed the survey. If you don’t see it in your inbox, check your Clutter. A URL and QR code were provided to Security/Visitor Services and Facilities to allow individuals access to the survey who may not have easy access to email. Questions may be sent to hr@getty.edu.
DEAI Plan Working Committees
We are establishing two working committees to advance Goal #5 of Getty’s DEAI Plan: "Deepen engagement between all areas of Getty and BIPOC and other diverse communities.” The first will help Getty ensure our campuses are safe and welcoming environments for all visitors. The second will focus on expanding relationships with local leaders and organizations from BIPOC and other diverse communities. Members of both committees will comprise staff involved in these activities across Getty, with some nominated by programs and departments and others who self-nominate. If you would like to nominate yourself for consideration for the committee focused on "safe and welcoming environments," please send an email briefly describing how your work at the Getty is public-facing or interacts with visitors, why you are interested in serving, and the perspective you will bring. If you are interested in focusing on "deepening engagement with diverse communities," please send an email briefly describing how your work engages with diverse communities and your knowledge and/or experience in this area, whether professional or personal. Please send your email to Mollie Anderson by Thursday, February 11.
Working-From-Home Business Expenses
Getty has updated and revised the guide to business expenses and business use of personal devices for staff working from home. Allowable expenses now include the purchase of a Wi-Fi extender for those having trouble accessing stable internet service at home. Please see attached for details. Getty Digital has also created a Home Network page on GO, with helpful tips and suggestions about working from home.
Tax Help from MSA
With tax time approaching, My Secure Advantage (MSA), has resources to help. You can register here for the webinar Making Tax Returns Less Taxing, offered Tuesday, February 9, at 9 a.m. and again at noon. MSA will discuss how income tax is calculated, types of adjustments/deductions, ways to reduce taxation, and common mistakes to avoid. MSA also works with tax partners to provide discounted tax preparation services (you need to pay for these services, but MSA does not receive any payment or commission). The attached flyers provide information about a 25% discount on do-it-yourself online tax filing services, or a 50% discount on assisted tax preparation provided by a tax professional. Also, you can always talk with an MSA Money Coach for tax-related questions; simply call MSA at 888-724-2326 to set up an appointment. To stay informed about all of MSA’s services, register on MSA’s webpage.
NEWS
Pacific Standard Time Grants
Last week, the Getty Foundation announced $5.38 million in exhibition research grants to 45 cultural, educational, and scientific institutions throughout Southern California to prepare for the next edition of the region-wide arts initiative Pacific Standard Time, scheduled to open in 2024. The series will return with dozens of simultaneous exhibitions and programs focused on the intertwined histories of art and science, past and present. Together, the projects address some of the most complex challenges of the 21st century—from climate change and environmental racism to the current pandemic and artificial intelligence—and the creative solutions these problems demand. Read the announcement here, and check out coverage in the Los Angeles Times.
Mesopotamia Book Wins Award
Mesopotamia: Civilization Begins is the Gold Medal-winner of the Association of American Publishers’ 2021 PROSE Award for Excellence in the Humanities, Art Exhibitions category. The volume, edited by Ariane Thomas of the Louvre and Getty Museum director Timothy Potts, was published to accompany the Mesopotamia exhibition at the Getty Villa. Congratulations to all on the book team!
The Heal Nominated for Five Awards
Getty’s production of The Heal, a bold new version of Sophocles’ timeless tale of hurting and healing, has garnered five 2021 Ovation Award nominations: Best Original Script—Aaron Posner; Best Direction—Aaron Posner; Best Ensemble; Best Choreography—Erika Chong Shuch; and Best Costume Design—Sarah Cubbage. The Ovation Awards recognize excellence in theatrical performance, production, and design in the greater L.A. area, and will be streamed at a later date. A round of applause for the cast, crew, and creative team!
EVENTS
Getty Graduate Symposium
Getty Research Institute hosts the third annual Getty Graduate Symposium February 5–7, showcasing the work of emerging scholars from art history graduate programs across California. Organized into three sessions over the course of three days, the symposium includes nine individual presentations, panel discussions moderated by faculty mentors, and Q&A sessions with the audience. Each session will be held on Zoom at 1–2:30 p.m. See the participants and register for the event.
Move With Heart Fitness Challenge
Looking for a new fitness program? Check out Move with Heart, a Wellbeats challenge presented by the Fitness Center. This challenge includes mood-boosting classes such as cardio, yoga, and strength training—all 30 minutes or less with minimal equipment (yoga mat/block optional). As an added option, receive guidance from the Getty Fitness Center staff. Please contact FitnessCeter@Getty.edu for more info.
STAFF SPOTLIGHT
Getty Anniversaries This Week
Five Years
- Michelle Deemer, Publications Design and Production
20 Years
- Stephanie Karos, Administration Department, GRI
- DeVaughn Woods, Warehouse Stores, Facilities
35 Years
- Mark Mitton, Decorative Arts Conservation, Museum
Comings and Goings
See how the Getty community is changing—and welcome new co-workers.
See and search past Getty THIS WEEK newsletters on GO.
From InternalCommunications | internalcommunications@getty.edu
