About the Campaign
Our Goals
Art invites… is a $7 million comprehensive campaign for the Springfield Museum of Art. The campaign supports three key initiatives:
» Stewardship and caring for the Museum’s facility and collections.
» Strengthening the financial foundation of the Museum.
» Providing welcoming spaces for the community to gather.
We have successfully completed the first two phases of the campaign, including the stewardship and care of the physical plant, and building and growing our endowment.
The last phase of Art invites… will transform the original North Wing of the Museum, built in 1967 and added to in 1973. Architectural plans are complete for a major renovation to this part of the facility. Construction was launched with a groundbreaking ceremony on March 23, 2023.
Stewardship and Care – The Physical Plant
Physical plant improvements include a new roof for the entire facility, HVAC replacement and refinement of the climate controls, and a new condensing unit and boiler for the mechanical system. This is now complete! These improvements have already resulted in a 45% decrease in utilities, saving $50,000 annually, allowing us to redirect those crucial dollars back into core mission activities such as our impactful education programs, inspiring exhibitions, and care of our collection.
Enhancing existing museum-quality systems helps us maintain the rigorous standards for collections care expected during American Alliance of Museums reaccreditation procedures that ensure our Smithsonian Affiliation.
A Solid Future – Building the Endowment
Growing the Museum endowment ensures dependable maintenance of the building and sustainable operating support for essential expenses such as art education programs and staffing. A nearly $2 million increase to our endowment enables us to enhance programming, continue operating in “the black,” and secure a self-sustaining future. This, too, is complete.
Our Vision
The original section of our facility was built in 1967.Opening as the Springfield Art Center, the building housed art classes, education programs, events, and exhibitions. Since then, thousands of visitors have been inspired by art, participated in classes, and created lasting memories. However, after years of use, our facility needs care and reimaging. Our community deserves a beautiful space to gather together, find joy in learning something new, and have their creativity ignited. Our vision is to create a revitalized space where thousands more can find inspiration and build new memories.
A Place to Gather – Our Community Space
The goal for our community space entails a complete renovation of the 1967 and 1973 portions of our building – refreshing event spaces, updating studios and meeting areas, and creating a more seamless connection between the indoors and our beautiful outdoor park setting.
The renovation will further unify the studio, classroom, and event spaces with our main Museum galleries. Our re-imagined North Wing will provide beautiful, new studio and education spaces and an expanded community gallery. In addition, the new North Wing will be equipped with multi-functional gathering areas for large and small events, providing a valuable and accessible resource not only for Museum events but for community functions large and small, both public and private. This new venue will incorporate kitchen and support functions, flexible meeting rooms, and multi-functional spaces to provide the greatest opportunity for community use.
Importantly, we intend this as an outward-facing resource, encouraging the community to take advantage of a unique, inspiring venue. Receptions, club meetings, educational workshops, parties, concerts… the opportunities are endless!