Wiregrass Museum of Art launches new community advisory committee
DOTHAN, AL – April 20, 2021 – Wiregrass Museum of Art invites residents of the Wiregrass region to become more involved in the museum’s planning through the launch of a new community advisory committee. The museum aims to deepen its understanding of its community’s needs through authentic conversation and participation and to infuse its day-to-day operations and strategic planning with member feedback.
Part of WMA’s aims to strengthen its commitment to inclusion, diversity, equity, and accessibility, the advisory committee will assist the museum in becoming more responsive to the unique needs of our region community’s needs as it advances its mission. “Prioritizing diversity ensures that everyone is represented, and we need input from local residents,” said Mike Owen, WMA’s president of the Board of Trustees. The formation of this committee, along with ongoing staff and board professional development, has been made possible through an administrative grant award from the Alabama State Council on the Arts.
“This committee will bring intentionality and accessibility, opening an avenue for the community to share how they feel the museum fits into their lives, and to communicate what they want to see in the future. This committee will help guide the museum with their ideas so that we continue to move forward and provide the community with a place everyone can feel welcome and encouraged,” said Collins Trott, WMA’s vice president of the Board of Trustees and chair of the museum’s Long Range Planning committee.
WMA encourages anyone interested in this process to apply and anticipates creating a committee that is representative of the Dothan and Wiregrass area. Committee members will be asked to attend quarterly meetings, where they will provide feedback on current and ongoing museum initiatives, become ambassadors for the museum’s mission, and share their perspectives on issues and concerns within the Wiregrass region.
The committee will consist of 12 individuals, alongside museum staff, and meetings will begin in summer 2021 (July, October, January, April). Applications will be accepted through May 31, 2021, and the first meeting of the community advisory committee will be held on Tuesday, July 6th, 6-7pm.
Applications are available online at: https://www.wiregrassmuseum.org/community-advisory-committee/ under the Support tab, and are also available in person at the museum’s front desk. WMA is open to the public every Wednesday through Friday from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. and Saturdays from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m.
About Wiregrass Museum of Art
Wiregrass Museum of Art inspires a lifelong appreciation for the visual arts by providing innovative educational programs that engage diverse audiences through the collection and exhibition of quality works. Since its inception in 1987, WMA has offered educational programs, nationally-acclaimed art exhibitions and community events throughout the year. Its Board of Trustees guides the long-term vision and strategic goals, while its membership, City and County support, and grant funding provide the resources needed to fulfill its mission.
WMA’s galleries are open to the public every Wednesday through Friday from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. and Saturdays from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. General admission is always free.