WEEKLY STAFF NEWS |7.20.2020
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
Public Reopening Delayed
Based on Governor Newsom’s order on July 13 that indoor museums remain closed indefinitely, Getty will not reopen to the public during August as we had previously hoped. We don’t know the timing of our eventual reopening, but we will continue with our reopening planning and readiness for the eventual date we can again welcome visitors. We will not reopen until it is safe to do so, and only with extensive health and safety and social distancing measures in place. Staff safety and well-being is our highest priority.
Support for Parents
We also heard last week that schools will stay closed into the fall, which poses particular hardships to many of our employees with children, who will need to continue to support learning from home. Do not hesitate to tell us about the challenges you are facing and your ideas for how Getty can further support you. Please send your thoughts to internalcommunications@getty.edu.
Staff Feedback on Work during the Pandemic
Getty’s survey opens today, with questions about how your current work situation is functioning for you while we are working under various conditions during the pandemic. We want to know whether you are feeling supported by Getty, whether you feel safe, and if you have the information you need in your current work circumstances. The survey will remain open until July 27. Individuals who have Getty email will receive a personalized email and link to participate; staff without email will receive a letter with participation instructions.
Getty Center Drive and North Entry Parking Closed July 21–August 1
Beginning tomorrow, contractors will repair asphalt on Getty Center Drive, and the road will be closed to all traffic through August 1, 2020. During this time, Getty Center staff and contractors should enter and exit through the South Gate and park at the top of the hill. Staff who arrive by public transportation can still walk in and take the staff shuttle to the top of the hill. The shuttle will pick up and drop off at the T1 turnaround.
NEWS
Final Year of Keeping It Modern Grants
Fairgrounds that commemorate Senegalese independence, minaret-like water towers that rise from the Persian Gulf’s shores, a British zoo, and a Benedictine monastery are among 13 significant 20th-century buildings that will receive $2.2 million in Keeping It Modern grants from the Getty Foundation. This is the final year of grants for this conservation initiative, launched in 2014 to help professionals worldwide engage in the proactive research and planning needed for the long-term preservation of modern buildings. Keeping It Modern has supported a total of 77 projects in 40 different nations around the world. See all the buildings awarded grants this year on the Iris.
Greening the Getty Center
Seven new Presidential Gold Gingko trees have been planted on the Plaza level overlooking the Robert Irwin Central Garden. This area has been without trees for a number of years and the new trees will once again realize the original intent for the space by providing hospitable shade—and adding bright gold color in the fall. Thanks to staffers Culvert James, Jairo Pulido, Federico Mora, Lorenzo Medellin, Salvador Alvarez, and Arturo Cuevas, who planted the trees.
Protective Shelter Designs for Nea Pafos
The Department of Antiquities in Cyprus (DoA) and GCI announced the shortlist for a competition to design protective shelters at the World Heritage site of Nea Pafos in Cyprus. The shelters will be used at the Villa of Theseus and House of Orpheus, two Roman residences with some of the best-preserved and important mosaics on the island. The competition is part of a larger DoA/GCI effort to advance the conservation and management of this important archaeological site. The shortlisted firms will now create conceptual designs for their proposed prototype structures, with a final design to be selected in 2021.
EVENTS
Zoom with Odysseus and Other Mythological Stars
Getty’s first virtual theater presentation premiered yesterday, with The ODDyssey, on the Getty Museum YouTube channel. You can see that webisode and catch the upcoming ones, which debut each Sunday at 3 p.m. Co-produced by the Getty Museum and the Troubadour Theater Company (aka the Troubies), The ODDyssey recounts Homer’s 24 books in five webisodes of about 15-20 minutes each, in a whimsical retelling of Odysseus’s adventure for audiences of all ages. The ODDyssey is told with all the characters on Zoom and, inspired by Zoom’s low-resolution quality, is retro-styled with a variety of music and sitcom song remakes.
Virtual Fitness Center Challenge
The Getty Fitness Center invites all staff to join an activity/wellness challenge to help you through the dog days of summer from July 22–August 22. Track your steps or any activity and complete a healthy task sent each day by email. Complete as many days as you can to be eligible to win an Amazon digital gift card and other prizes. See the attached flyer and contact fitnesscenter@getty.edu to sign up and receive instructions.
Getty Underground 2020 Vision Registration Closes Soon
Registration closes this week on Friday, July 24. Sign up to virtually share your artistic expression in 2D art, 3D art, film, performance, spoken word, art car, or culinary creation. Getty Underground has showcased the artistic talents of Getty staff, volunteers, and docents biennially since 1998, and everyone is encouraged to participate. More information about opening day will be available on the GU2020 website and on Slack via #gettyunderground2020. Please contact GettyUnderground@getty.edu if you have questions about how to participate.
STAFF SPOTLIGHT
Getty Anniversaries This Week
Five Years
- Aaron Lee Harvey, Events
- Alma Resendiz, Security Operations
- Candace Wai, Building and Sites, GCI
Comings and Goings
See how the Getty community is changing—and welcome new co-workers.
From InternalCommunications | internalcommunications@getty.edu