Danforth Art museum and school announced Tuesday that it has reached an agreement with Framingham State University to merge operations, an agreement that — if accepted by the Town of Framingham — could provide a critical lifeline to the struggling museum.
Under the terms of the agreement, Framingham State would initially commit $4.5 million toward the merger. Meanwhile, the museum would be renamed the Danforth Art Center at Framingham State University and ownership of its 3,000-object permanent collection would transfer to the Framingham State University Foundation.
“[T]his merger provides long-term financial stability and organizational viability through University infrastructure support,” Danforth executive director Debra Petke said in announcing the merger.
Framingham State University president F. Javier Cevallos said in a statement that the merger would not only “enhance the University’s programs and standing,” but would also “preserve a wonderful cultural institution.”
Still, the merger is not a sure thing. It is contingent upon Danforth Art being able to sell the Jonathan Maynard Building to the Massachusetts State College Building Authority, which would purchase the structure for $2.21 million on behalf of Framingham State University.