Strategic Plan Year One

• Two accomplishments helped to launch SJMA’s new commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. The Museum received a grant from the Association of Art Museum Directors to support a paid intern from an underrepresented background in summer 2019. SJMA also secured funding from the Packard Foundation to work with consultant Nayantara Sen to launch an institution-wide Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (DEIA) training program in FY20.

OBJECTIVE #3: Approach fundraising and philanthropy with imagination and ambition. Desired impact: Cultivate a more robust, loyal support base by measuring and articulating the indelible impact of art and creativity.

• SJMA successfully grew the size and impact of its annual gala, The Wonder Ball, in 2019, thereby increasing a critical renewable source of general operating support. The event exceeded the net revenue goal by 42%, exceeded the corporate sponsorship goal by 40%, and increased attendance at both the gala itself (33%) and the after-party (20%). • SJMA increased institutional visibility with new illuminated exterior signage on Market and San Fernando Streets. The sign was designed by National Design Award winner Morla Design, San Francisco, in a partnership that advanced the objective to “collaborate with creative individuals and organizations to solve critical issues in and around SJMA.” • SJMA rolled out infrastructure improvements to its main public program venue, the Charlotte Wendel Education Center, in FY19, including adding new ceiling-mounted state-of-the-art laser projectors, a new industry-standard custom-made podium, and a new portable sound system. These changes support a wider range of programming that will benefit both the Museum and its community partners. • SJMA participated in a pilot partnership with New York-based design studio Dome to create innovative ways to collect feedback from visitors about their experiences in the Museum. The data collected through this partnership in spring 2019 will inform future improvements to visitor experience as well as the development of ongoing sustainable mechanisms for collecting and evaluating audience responses to SJMA’s programs, a key strategic goal. • SJMA began active efforts to grow its Board in FY19 and elected four new Trustees, including artist Hung Liu as the Museum’s first artist Board member.

Photo by Benjamin Blackwell