The document discusses using "Action Teams" to engage donors for upcoming exhibitions at museums. It provides an example of the Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art forming an Action Team for their "Tough by Nature" exhibition on cowgirls and ranch women. The team helped raise $58,000 for the exhibition catalog through small fundraising events. Action Teams can meaningfully engage donors, introduce new constituents, raise funds, and identify partners for exhibition programs.

1. Western Museums Association
2012 Annual Meeting
Successful Development Models for University and Public
Museums
October 24, 1:45 – 3:00 p.m.
Moderator
Jill Hartz, Executive Director, Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art
University of Oregon, Eugene, OR
Presenters
Deidre Sandvick, Director of Development for University Arts
University of Oregon, Eugene, OR
Melissa Russo, Director of Institutional Advancement
Chabot Space & Science Center, Oakland, CA
Greg Polzin, Director, Fundraising & Development
Palm Springs Art Museum, Palm Springs, CA

2. Using Exhibition “Action Teams”
to Build Donor Engagement
Western Museums Association
2012 Annual Meeting

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

4. 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.

5. 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

6. 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

7. Who should be on the Action Team?
- Board members
- Docents
- Faculty
- Students
- Interested community members
And…
- Ask involved donors for suggestions

8. 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

9. 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

10. Tough by Nature
Portraits of Cowgirls and Ranch Women of the American West

11. Tough by Nature Action Team
Primary Goals:
- Raise $50,000 for a catalog
- Highlight local community members in
exhibition programs

12. 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

13. Action Teams Can:
Engage Donors in a Meaningful Way
Introduce New Constituents to the Museum
Raise Funds
Identify Potential Partners for Programs