Troubled Waters: Controversial Layoffs Rock Immersive Art Experience Company
Meow Wolf, the beloved arts and entertainment company known for its mind-bending immersive experiences, is shrinking once again. The company announced a second round of layoffs in 2023, deepening concerns about its leadership and financial stability among employees.
The announcement of the layoffs, set to take effect on December 12th, follows a similar round in April, which impacted over 150 employees across various locations, including New Mexico, Texas, Nevada, and Colorado.
While immersed everywhere else may be considered "temporary", the cuts follow a pattern of financial turbulence and raise questions about the company’s long-term viability.
Internal Restructuring Amidst Tightening Belts
Attribution of precise figures remains vague as the company opted for voluntary separation packages, which will likely influence the final tally. In addition to staff cuts, CEO Jose Tolosa took a 10% pay reduction in April, mirroring a similar step taken by his direct reports.
The cuts come as BPA (nomadic業務) made cuts to reduce travel budgets by $1 million and end undisclosed software contracts, showcasing the company’s efforts to navigate financial turbulence. These moves follow a larger trend of cost-cutting measures implemented by various companies in response to a changing economic landscape. Following the August announcement of a project cancellation planned for 2025, projects are predicted to be delayed and funding rerouted as a result of the layoff emanating at Meow Wolf.
While Meow Wolf celebrated successfully launching three out of five exhibitions since 2022, including "The Real Unreal" in Grapevine, Texas, and "Radio Tave" in Houston.
"We have a growth path," Tolosa assures, citing examples in conversation with SFR, "despite business conditions that are challenging for everyone in 2024.
The company, Tolosa reveals, "learned a lot (about how to operate its exhibitions following the April downsizing)," adding "We’re now running significantly successful exhibitions." The company, however, acknowledged a 24-month hiatus between projects after Houston and the next major unveiling slated for 2026 opening in Los Angeles in 2026.
Disillusioning Decisions: Union Raises Concerns
The announced layoffs have sparked anger and discontent among employees at Meow Wolf despite sluggish economics. This is largely driven by the controversial leadership of Jose Tolosa, whose tenure has controversially been marked by impulsive judgments, questionable decision-making,
and a general perceptively unbalanced financial approach.
In addition to voicing concerns about Tolosa’s leadership, Meow Wolf workers also expressed disappointment with how the company has handled project deadlines and finances.
“The workers at the bottom should not be the tool to ‘fix’ decisions at the top,” the Employees’ petition outlines.
"We want to be clear that Meow Wolf is a top-heavy company. We are cognizant that tough business decisions must be made, and layoffs are an unfortunate part of corporate America, especially in these challenging times. But the company should honor contracts and abide by fair labor practices. That’s all we’re asking for – a less painful solution, not an inequitable outcome,” Michael J. Wilson, Executive Vice President and Senior Story Editor and Lore Keeper, slamming what the union consider a "top-down approach" to financial woes.
Petitions for Change
The union, formally recognized reformed under the umbrella of the leading organization in 2022
"We, the Employees of Meow Wolf, representing departments, jobs
What specific actions beyond the stated pay cuts has Meow Wolf leadership taken to address the financial challenges contributing to the layoffs?
## Troubled Waters: A Look Inside Meow Wolf’s Controversial Layoffs
**Host:** Welcome back to the show. Today we’re diving deep into the ongoing troubles at Meow Wolf, the immersive art experience company known for its fantastical installations. Joining us is [Guest Name], a [Guest Expertise/Affiliation] who’s been following Meow Wolf’s story closely. Welcome to the program.
**Guest:** Thanks for having me.
**Host:** Meow Wolf has announced another round of layoffs, this time affecting 165 employees. This comes just months after a previous round of cuts in April. What’s your take on what’s happening at the company?
**Guest:** This second round of layoffs is deeply concerning, especially coming so soon after the first. It suggests a pattern of financial instability at Meow Wolf, and it’s raising serious questions about the company’s leadership and long-term viability.
[We know these layoffs are because of budgetary concerns according to the KOB.com article [[1](https://www.kob.com/new-mexico/meow-wolf-to-cut-165-workers-expenses-to-right-size-business/). However, the specifics surrounding these budget issues are murky.]It’s troubling that the company hasn’t been more transparent with its employees and the public about the reasons behind these cuts.
**Host:** Meow Wolf CEO Jose Tolosa has said that these layoffs are part of a broader effort to “right-size” the business. He’s also taken a 10% pay cut, as have his direct reports. Do you see these actions as reassuring signals, or just damage control?
**Guest:** It’s a good sign that Tolosa and his leadership team are sharing in the sacrifices being made by employees. However, actions speak louder than words. Until Meow Wolf provides a clearer roadmap for its future and addresses the underlying financial challenges, these gestures will likely be met with skepticism.
**Host:** What does this mean for Meow Wolf’s future? Can the company pull through these tough times?
**Guest:** Meow Wolf is incredibly creative and innovative, and their immersive experiences are truly unique. They’ve definitely captured the public’s imagination. However, they need to find a sustainable business model that can weather economic storms. If they can’t demonstrate financial stability and a clear path forward, it’s going to be incredibly difficult to regain the trust of both employees and investors.
**Host:** Thank you for shedding light on this complex situation. This is certainly a story we’ll be following closely in the coming months.
[Guest Name], thanks for joining us.
**Guest:** My pleasure.
