Western Museums Association2012 Annual Meeting

Successful Development Models for University and Public MuseumsOctober 24, 1:45 – 3:00 p.m.

ModeratorJill Hartz, Executive Director, Jordan Schnitzer Museum of ArtUniversity of Oregon, Eugene, OR

PresentersDeidre Sandvick, Director of Development for University ArtsUniversity of Oregon, Eugene, OR Melissa Russo, Director of Institutional Advancement Chabot Space & Science Center, Oakland, CA

Greg Polzin, Director, Fundraising & DevelopmentPalm Springs Art Museum, Palm Springs, CA

Using Exhibition “Action Teams” to Build Donor

Engagement

Western Museums Association2012 Annual Meeting

How can we use an upcoming major exhibition to engage new constituents and deepen ongoing relationships with

donors?

Our Mission Statement:

The Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art enhances the University of Oregon’s academic mission and furthers the

appreciation and enjoyment of the visual arts for the general public.

JSMA facts:- The museum opened in 1933- Initially housed the Murray Warner Oriental Art

Collection- Asian art now comprises about 60% of the collection- Nearly 70,000sf (galleries = 20,000sf)- Accredited by the AAM

- 15 F/T staff; 50 student workers- University of Oregon approx. 50% of the budget- Nearly a $3M budget

The Birth of the “Action Team”

Goals:- Raise funds for specific exhibitions- Involve both the on and off campus communities- Attract new people to the JSMA

Who should be on the Action Team?

- Board members- Docents- Faculty- Students- Interested community membersAnd…- Ask involved donors for suggestions

First meeting:

- Project overview with curator- Themes; Exhibition Goals

- Brainstorm- Marketing: constituents, plan for visibility- Education: programs (based on learning

objectives)- Development: prospects, events

- Determine next actions by team members

Subsequently:

- Individual contact with appropriate staff- Status meeting for larger projects/events- Update emails to team members- Exhibition preview- Attending/introducing program speakers- Concluding evaluation meeting

Tough by NaturePortraits of Cowgirls and Ranch Women of the American

West

Tough by Nature Action Team

Primary Goals: - Raise $50,000 for a catalog- Highlight local community members in

exhibition programs

Tough by Nature Action Team

Three small fundraising events – two at the artist’s home, one at the museum – raised $58,000

The “hoedown” with music, appetizers, and dancing – free for members, small fee for community

Involved several prominent community women who run ranches or farms, as well as some of the featured ranchwomen in the exhibition on two moderated panels – standing room only audience

Action Teams Can:

Engage Donors in a Meaningful WayIntroduce New Constituents to the MuseumRaise FundsIdentify Potential Partners for Programs