Museum Strategic Plan Approved by Salina Arts and Humanities Commission

The Arts and Humanities Commission voted to approve a new strategic plan for the museum during its August 19 meeting, an action required for the museum's accreditation.

Museum Director Susan Hawskworth said the plan was developed over the past year in partnership with the Community Engagement Institute at Wichita State University and included focus groups involving community members, friends, board members, a commission representative and city management. The process resulted in five focus areas: increasing visibility and community awareness; expansion and renovation plans; developing accessible, high-impact programming, stories and events; living the museum's values, mission and vision; and cultivating a robust donor base while evaluating activities through a mission lens.

Hawskworth emphasized a goal of telling a broader range of community stories through the planned renovation, saying the museum wants visitors to "at least be able to see a little bit of themselves" in the museum. The commission serves as the approving governing body for the accreditation requirement.

A motion to approve the strategic plan was made, seconded and carried on a voice vote. Following approval, a staff member suggested the commission consider regular quarterly progress updates on both the museum plan and the community's cultural plan.