For more than 150 years, Rocky Neck has been an inspiration to artists. The mission of the Rocky Neck Art Colony (RNAC) is to nurture excellence in the arts and to celebrate the artistic history and culture of Rocky Neck. This Strategic Plan, ratified in February 2022, incorporates input from RNAC members, stakeholders and the community to assure the continued future of that inspiration.

 

Approved by Board, Feb. 10, 2022

ROCKY NECK ART COLONY STRATEGIC PLAN
2022-2025

 

The Mission of the Rocky Neck Art Colony is to nurture excellence in the arts and celebrate the artistic history and culture of Rocky Neck.

We Serve

We serve the membership of Rocky Neck Art Colony, which includes emerging and professional artists of all genres, the Rocky Neck neighborhood and greater Gloucester/Cape Ann community, and those who value and support arts and culture

Values

We value creativity, community and innovation in art making, all within a spirit of inclusion

Vision 1: Rocky Neck Art Colony is a culturally vital and inclusive organization

Objective 1.1 Sustain and support a diverse and engaged membership of artists and non-artists as stewards of Rocky Neck’s artistic history

Strategies

1. Expand affordable opportunities for artists to exhibit and sell their work

Actions

* Strengthen/codify gallery process and protocol (2022-23)

* Develop exhibition opportunities for emerging and underserved artists (2022)

2. Engage artist members and non-artist members with professional development opportunities and varied, relevant, uplifting educational programming

Actions

* Monitor overall value of current programs

* Consolidate/strengthen educational offerings

* Research and implement alternative spaces for programming
* Provide regular channels for member and community feedback

3. Build and attract a broad demographic range of members

Actions

* Define and better communicate member benefits (2022)

* Attract new members, with focus on future (2022-25)

* Explore new tiered structure for membership (2023)

* Analyze membership database to understand demographics (2024)

Vision 2: Rocky Neck Art Colony is a high-performing nonprofit organization

Objective 2.1 Expand financial capacity to meet the needs of the organization and achieve priorities of Strategic Plan

Strategies

1. Create an effective process for budget and finance decision-making

Actions

* Expand Finance Committee with members skilled in financial management

* Create an annual budget and reinstitute review of annual budget requests

* Build a three-month operating reserve

* Provide Finance Committee with training in effective nonprofit finance management

2. Create and implement a comprehensive Development Plan

Actions

* Expand Development Committee with members skilled in development and fundraising

* Establish planned and targeted giving programs

* Research grants/public/private funds for historic districts

3. Maintain Cultural Center building and improve rental spaces as needed

Actions:

* Expand Building Committee with members skilled in relevant areas

* Identify funds and complete critical repairs

* Undertake systems/maintenance replacement planning

* Build adequate capital reserve for 6 Wonson (2023-24)

Objective 2.2 Maintain an active Board of Trustees with time, talent or resources that match organizational needs

Strategies

1. Ensure Board members are actively involved in governance, policy-making, and budget review and approval per RNAC Bylaws

Actions

* Set and monitor clear Board roles and responsibilities per RNAC bylaws and improve intra-Board communication

* Create/maintain effective trustee onboarding program

* Clarify and communicate decision-making processes

* Institute regular communication updates between Exec Comm and Board

* Institute Board annual review and ratification of Strategic Plan

Objective 2.3 Ensure adequate staffing to allow organization to achieve mission

Strategies

1. Hire staff as needed to successfully manage all programs & operations

Actions

* Review Director’s role annually to ensure best alignment with Director’s skills and organization’s aspirations (2022)

* Assess current staffing roles to augment within budget priorities (2022-25)

 

2. Improve volunteer recruitment, training and coordination to better connect individuals to organizational needs

Actions

* Plan and implement an effective volunteer training program with clear leadership roles (2022-24)

 

Objective 2.4  Enhance RNAC’s reputation and visibility through effective marketing and communications

Strategy

Strengthen internal and external strategic communications/marketing (including website, social media, newsletter, signage)

Actions

*Create annual marketing plan

* Establish a dedicated volunteer or paid staff role for marketing and communications (2023)

* Improve website platform(2023)

* Ensure RNAC branding is consistent (2022)

* Include Historic District designation on all materials (2022)

* Create consistent, updated and effective signage (2023)

 

Vision 3: Rocky Neck Art Colony is a strong, collaborative partner with the community of Rocky Neck – its businesses, residents, and visitors – and the city of Gloucester

 

Objective 3.1 Strengthen relationships and partnerships with restaurant owners, investors, and developers of Rocky Neck properties

Strategies

1. Create opportunities for Rocky Neck influencers to learn about and engage in RNAC

Actions

* Identify and engage key influencers

* Research short and long-term use of nearby properties for additional gallery spaces

2. Maintain open communications and collaborative partnerships with residents and businesses about development and use of properties

Actions

* Host at least one free community gathering annually on Rocky Neck