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May 20, 2019 Giving Guide 2018

Fitchburg Art Museum

Future Goals

FAM is implementing a strategic plan for 2016-2020 to meet these overarching goals: to be vital in our exhibitions and programs, to emphasize education, to embrace community service, to align with best professional practices, and to insure our sustainability.

Specific short-term goals include:

  • Build on our vision of community service through established partnerships with the City of Fitchburg, Fitchburg State University, NewVue Communities, ArtsWorcester, and others to develop collaborative cultural, educational, and creative economy programs.
  • Offer multiple life-long learning opportunities from structured classes and school field trips to informal, spontaneous learning in the galleries, so that every visitor will discover meaningful and personal ways to engage with art.
  • Plan for a neighborhood, arts-based after-school program to be launched in 2-4 years in coordination with the development of affordable artist live/work space in the former school buildings adjacent to FAM.
  • Continue to organize exciting exhibitions of artworks by contemporary New England artists.
  • Plan for a comprehensive, climate-controlled, on-site storage for the entire permanent collection.
  • Increase outreach and programming for Latino communities.

Fundraising Events/Opportunities

The Fitchburg Art Museum presents numerous exhibitions, programs, events, educational and community outreach activities for which it seeks outside funding. Many of these activities are ongoing or repeat annually and provide opportunities for long-term partnership with FAM. One-time support is also always welcome.

Examples include:

  • Bi-lingual Initiative: FAM is becoming New England’s first fully bilingual (English/Spanish) art museum.
  • Community Gallery: Exhibition space reserved for the exhibition of works of art sponsored by schools, community organizations, and artist groups in Fitchburg, Leominster, Worcester, and surrounding cities and towns in Central New England.
  • Free First Thursdays: Free admission the first Thursday of every month from 3-7 p.m., usually combined with free curator tours, the winter home of the Fitchburg Farmer’s market, and other events.
  • Exhibitions: Lively exhibitions of contemporary art by New England artists, including a three-part series celebrating the industrial heritage of our region.
  • Art in Bloom: Flower arrangements inspired by the art on display and a related weekend of activities, co-organized with the Laurelwood Garden Club of Fitchburg, April 25-28, 2019.

Giving Opportunities

Corporate Membership provides important operating support for FAM and its work in the community, while offering corporate members the chance to participate in the fine art poster loan program and to offer employees year-round free admission to FAM, as well as discounts on classes and programs.

Annual Fund provides much-needed unrestricted funding to help FAM achieve its mission to be a catalyst for learning, creativity, and community building. The Norcross Society, named in honor of our founder, Eleanor Norcross, provides the opportunity for recognition of our leadership Annual Fund donors, as well as special invitations to events and programs.

Individual Membership offers year-round free admission and a variety of levels and benefits for individuals to support and participate in FAM’s activities.

Targeted Gifts support a variety of education programs, such as buses for school field trips and family learning lounges throughout the public galleries, as well as the underwriting of admission costs for special groups such as the disabled, elderly, and other underserved audiences.


Volunteer Opportunities

FAM welcomes interested individuals to participate in our volunteer Docent Program of trained art interpreters who give gallery tours to the public and school groups. FAM also relies on volunteers in a variety of capacities in the offices and in the galleries. We always need individuals interested in helping in the office, at events, or with public programs.