2008-2013 Strategic Plan (Summary)
Approved by the Board of Trustees October 2008

Strategic Direction #1 - Financial Future

Position Statement
To ensure the continuing excellence of the Museum's programming and preservation of the building for years to come, the Museum’s unrestricted income must be increased and sustained for the long-term.  The Museum should plan for a future when Cascade County discontinues mill funding.

Goals

• The Museum will fully institutionalize the Benevon model for sustainable funding.
• The Museum will increase annual, unrestricted funds through the Benevon strategy to fulfill organizational needs.
• The Museum will increase its general operating endowment fund to $10,000,000.
• The Museum will establish a second endowment fund to guarantee a reserve for capital/building needs.
• The Museum will pursue project specific and other applicable grants.
• The Museum will pursue sponsorships for specific projects and/or events.

Strategic Direction #2 - Strengthen Art & Cultural Programming

Position Statement
The Museum was originally founded as a community cultural and contemporary arts center.  It is highly regarded for the quality of its exhibitions and educational programming.  The Outsider Art collection is unique in the region.  The Museum’s close partnership with the public school district is an important part of its educational programming.  More collaborative partnerships within the community will increase patronage and make more efficient use of limited funds.

Goals

• Paris Gibson Square Museum of Art will be recognized as the source for Contemporary art in Montana, with a lively schedule of ongoing exhibitions, events and cultural programming.
• The Museum will build an active program of educational opportunities through classes, tours, lectures, etc., and by increasing educational documentation accompanying exhibits and programs.
• The Museum will expand opportunities for collaborative programming within the community.

Strategic Direction #3 - Increase Visibility and Awareness

Position Statement
The Museum needs to increase awareness among people in Great Falls and the region regarding the extent and variety of the Museum’s exhibitions, educational programs and cultural opportunities.  Improving awareness will increase patronage and participation in our programs, and increase our reputation as a valuable resource for the community.  Increased participation and improved reputation will enhance our ability to generate mission-based financial support.

Goals

• Paris Gibson Square Museum of Art will be recognized throughout the region as a leader in Contemporary art education and cultural programming.
• The Museum will be recognized as the agent for preserving the historically significant Paris Gibson Square building.
• The Museum will increase awareness in the community about the importance of art education.

Strategic Direction #4 - Human Resources

Position Statement
The Director and staff are perceived by the community as strengths.  Staff attitude is positive even though pay and benefits are low compared to the for-profit sector.  Staff and volunteers are a critical component in the Museum’s human resources.  Volunteer participation in supporting Museum activities needs to be increased and better coordinated as a whole.

Goals

• The Museum will obtain and maintain the highest level of competence possible in paid staff and volunteer positions.
• The Museum will maintain a strong staff team who are valued, well-rewarded, supported, and challenged through their employment with the Museum.
• The Museum will systematically strengthen the Board of Trustees through careful annual recruitment of new members and ongoing training.
• The Museum will recruit, organize and coordinate a strong volunteer corps using current and former Board members, Museum members, and other community volunteers.

Strategic Direction #5 - The Permanent Collection

Position Statement
A growing permanent collection is an important part of the Museum's mission and provides a relevant cultural repository for the people of the region.  Proper collection storage is vital to long-term preservation of the artwork.  Providing public access to the permanent collection and related information is part of our educational mandate. 

Goals

• The Museum will preserve, exhibit and interpret its permanent collection of artwork that is relevant to the organization’s mission.
• The Museum will ensure storage for its permanent collection that meets or exceeds standard professional guidelines.
• The Museum will secure, maintain and manage records and related information regarding objects in the permanent collection.
• The Museum will actively seek acquisitions for the permanent collection as outlined in the Collections Management policy.
• The Museum will increase public awareness regarding the permanent collection’s purpose and contents through exhibitions, interpretation, internet access, publications and other appropriate documentation.

Strategic Direction # 6 – Maintain And Improve Building And Grounds

Position Statement
The Paris Gibson Square building is viewed as one of the most important historic monuments in Great Falls.  Many people invested in the building’s renovation during the Centennial Campaign; it is a high priority to maintain that investment.  The building and its grounds should remain a point of pride for all residents of Great Falls.

Goals

• The Museum will ensure sufficient funds through unrestricted operating support and a dedicated endowment in order to continue improving the building and maintaining its restored condition.
• The Museum will continue to adapt the building to fulfill the organizational mission while preserving the building’s status as a historic landmark.
• The Museum will provide for the safety and physical comfort of all museum staff, volunteers and visitors, to include ensuring ADA compliance and addressing other accessibility issues as needed.
• The Museum will maintain the Museum grounds, outdoor sculpture, landscaping and infrastructure.