By KRWG News
Santa Fe – Gov. Bill Richardson is shutting down the State Film Museum as a cost-cutting move.
The museum is at the former Jean Cocteau movie theater near downtown Santa Fe and its lease is expiring.
Richardson said Friday that museum operations will be suspended effective June 30, at the end of the budget year.
The state expects to save $177,000 a year, which includes the $55,000 annual salary of museum director Sharon Maloof, a Richardson appointee. Maloof is retiring this month, according to the governor's office.
The museum has hosted workshops and screenings of movies.
The State Film Office pays separately to be housed in the movie theater and will continue to operate.
Copyright 2010 The Associated Press.