The Los Angeles Times goes after Michael Govan connecting the million-dollar loss on LACMA’s film program to the museum director’s million-dollar salary. It turns out that Govan has a variety of perks in his package: he lives in a $5m home rent-free; his moving costs were paid at the rate of $350,000 along with a signing bonus and he will get $1m in deferred compensation if he stays 5 years. All together the 5-year package is worth $6m and includes a car:

The question may be particularly relevant at LACMA, because it gets more public funding than many museums: About a quarter of its $74-million operating budget came from L.A. County in 2008, including $201,432 toward Govan’s salary and benefits. LACMA has avoided widespread layoffs common at other museums. But it has canceled two exhibitions and abandoned negotiations for a third. Several curatorial positions remain open amid a hiring freeze, though one key spot was filled last week. Govan says he is seeking donor support to create a new film program. If the museum decided to cut salaries, “I’d be first in line,” he said, adding that he decided to forgo a bonus and raise this year. […]

His compensation, about a 50% increase over that of his predecessor, places him in an elite group of art museum directors who for the most part preside over institutions more prestigious and many times richer than LACMA. […] Govan said he accepted the offer without much negotiation.

Behind Michael Govan’s Almost $1m LACMA Salary (Los Angles Times)