Bellevue Arts Museum Closes its Doors

The Bellevue Arts Museum (BAM) has officially announced its closure as of September 4th, 2024, ending nearly 50 years of cultural contribution to the Eastside. The decision stems from ongoing financial difficulties worsened by the COVID-19 pandemic, which severely impacted revenue streams for many cultural institutions. Despite the success of the SAVE BAM fundraising initiative, which raised over $350,000 in 2024, BAM could not secure the necessary funding for long-term sustainability. Executive Director Kate Casprowiak Scher emphasized the challenges of maintaining a viable financial model, particularly the reliance on infrequent large donations. Community members have taken to social media to express their sorrow and share memories of the museum's role in inspiring local youth and promoting the arts.

While the closure is a significant setback for the local arts scene, BAM's leadership has filed for Receivership to protect its assets and is exploring future restructuring options. A small staff will remain to facilitate private events and manage the upcoming Arts Fair in 2025, which will proceed as planned. The Student Showcase, previously hosted at BAM, will be relocated to KidsQuest Children's Museum. Board President Jay Pathy expressed gratitude for community support and hopes to revive BAM’s mission in a sustainable format in the future.