FINE ARTS WORK CENTER IN PROVINCETOWN

	, 2012

BUILDING THE FUTURE

Two years ago, the Fine Arts Work Center’s Board and staff began a process of self-assessment, examining all aspects of the organization’s programs and setting short- and longterm institutional goals. The purpose was to find ways to strengthen and advance FAWC. The outcome was a new articulation of the Work Center’s mission statement and vision for the future. In October 2004, the new mission and vision statements were adopted by the Board of Trustees at their Annual Meeting.

A year later, members of the Executive Committee took time to step back and assess the progress of the past year and looked forward to the challenges ahead. Board leaders Marty Davis, President; Hatty Walker Fitts, Co-Chair; Ike Williams, Co-Chair; and Executive Director Hunter O’Hanian share some of their observations:

	HOH	Many of our plans have not only taken shape but have come to fruition over the past 12-18 months. Among competing organizational needs and priorities, the clarity of our mission and vision has been a strong "compass" for both our strategic planning and day-to-day operations.
	MD	Yes, the organizational choices we’re making all relate back to those basic goals. At its core, the Work Center will always be about the Fellowship Program, but I’m excited by the ways FAWC is able to offer even greater opportunities for artists and writers to be stimulated, challenged, and encouraged. The summer and fall workshops provide a wonderful chance for hundreds of individuals to study with seasoned, well-known artists and writers, and are essential in reaching out to a larger community.
	HWF	And just as the Winter Fellowship program changes the lives of 20 artists and writers each year, the new Master of Fine Arts degree program with Mass College of Art will have a powerful impact on the development of 20 more visual artists each year. The entering class of students loved the opportunity to work intensively with faculty like Jim Peters, Michael Mazur, and Mary Heilmann. The students were also very pleased with their studios; one student described it as the artist’s equivalent of having died and gone to heaven!
	HOH	Our collaboration on this program with MassArt has been a first not only for FAWC but for Cape Cod as well. Its immediate positive reception is strong encouragement for us to keep the development of a similar program in writing and poetry high on FAWC’s agenda.
	IW	The MFA program is a good example of how the renovation and expansion of our facility allows us to serve more artists, develop new constituencies, and yet stay true to the Work Center’s mission. The Capital Campaign that we’ve been quietly working on to fund the renovations will literally transform the organization, both physically and in the ways we sustain our core programs.
	HOH	That’s true, and while we’ve tagged the campaign Building for the Future, the renovation is also very much about the here and now. We’re addressing the deferred maintenance needs of the past as well as increasing our space so that we can provide an environment in which the entire FAWC community—our Winter Fellows, Summer Workshop Students, Returning Residents, MFA students, staff, visitors, residents of Provincetown and the Cape—all have the appropriate space and tools to nurture their creative development.
	IW	It seemed inevitable that we would start this reconstruction and capital campaign now, rather than years from now. We know that there are external factors that make fundraising and institutional advancement more challenging than ever— that’s become a fact of life. We decided that this is the right time in FAWC’s evolution for a Capital Campaign because our facilities are one of our most critical resources, the foundation for all of our programs and activities. And I believe FAWC supporters will see this and contribute generously to the campaign.
	HWF	Increasing the endowment that supports the Fellowship Program is the other key campaign goal; the endowment is a cornerstone of FAWC’s stability. Ours is still the only Fellowship program of its kind—a gift of seven months of time, space, a living stipend—with no strings attached, other than the hope of creative growth. The idea of investing in the visual artists and writers of tomorrow is compelling and necessary for all of us.
	MD	I am looking forward to the formal announcement of our Campaign because we have a wonderful story to tell. The Work Center has become a force not only in the world of arts and letters, but here on the Cape—as a catalyst for keeping the vitality and cultural tradition of Provincetown alive and well.
	HOH	It’s been gratifying to all of us to have the Work Center’s role in the community acknowledged by the Massachusetts Cultural Council, who recently awarded FAWC the largest grant on Cape Cod. In addition to highest marks for the excellence of our programs, the MCC recently praised the efforts we’ve made to galvanize the local cultural community.
	MD	It’s been gratifying to all of us to have the Work Center’s role in the community acknowledged by the Massachusetts Cultural Council, who recently awarded FAWC the largest grant on Cape Cod. In addition to highest marks for the excellence of our programs, the MCC recently praised the efforts we’ve made to galvanize the local cultural community.
	IW	Our goal for the future is to achieve that same level of excellence throughout every program and aspect of the organization. As we forge ahead with Building for the Future as a capital campaign, our motivation is really to continue providing a creative home for future generations of artists and writers.
	HWF	Absolutely, and to do so in a way that inspires excellence at all levels of engagement with the Work Center. FAWC has not only helped to provide a jump-start for up-and-coming artists and writers, keeping Provincetown as a center for the arts, but is adding to the economic well being of the community through our programs, as well. The jobs we provide, the housing and food purchased by students and visitors, and of course, those who come to study, stay on, and encourage others to do the same—all add up to a very significant impact. It’s an ongoing process that we look forward to continuing for many years ahead. This long-haul view is why we are working today not only to improve the facility but also to strengthen our funding by growing the endowment. That’s how I see us truly building for the future.

This year FAWC was reviewed by the MCC for organizational support funding. A panel of administrators from other organizations nationwide gave FAWC a rating of 4.93 out of 5. In particular, the panel noted:
"An amazing arts center that provides a nurturing space for artists through high-quality programs and services. List of awards won by past fellows is highly impressive. Good that selection committee rotates to prevent favoritism. Degree program with Massachusetts College of Art impressive. Summer workshops and reading series employ an impressive list of authors and instructors. Provides good opportunities for artists to publicly exhibit their work. Organization is an asset to the community, working to enhance Provincetown’s reputation as a cultural tourism destination. Director is a true community leader, advocating for the arts and arts organizations in town. Proactive work with schools, offer of free tuition to school staff and free classes to every high school senior at Provincetown High School commendable. Growth is smart and measured, well planned. Organization is aggressively fund raising and is in best financial shape of history. Board is clearly committed to the organization both programmatically and financially. Very strategic board development. Executive Director is highly qualified, energetic, and committed to the work of the organization. Panel encouraged efforts to hire a development director. Building an endowment as part of capital expansion a sound strategy."