WMA releases Needs Assessment Final Report

The Wiregrass Museum of Art’s Board of Trustees and its staff thank our members, supporters, and key community stakeholders who participated in recent discussions about the museum’s plan to become nationally accredited, and the future facility needs and growth of WMA. In alignment with our core values of integrity, excellence, and professionalism, our leadership is now sharing the Executive Summary of the recent space needs assessment completed in collaboration with M. Goodwin Museum Planning. 

This needs assessment, supported by the City of Dothan, was completed over several months in 2022 with community and stakeholder input, and provides clear, detailed information about WMA’s operational and facility needs in the future. These needs are defined by growing demand for annual arts programming at WMA, and by utilizing data from comparable arts museums across the U.S.

WMA’s annual impact builds the social, cultural, and economic development of Dothan and the surrounding region by providing access to significant cultural experiences, lifelong learning resources for area residents, and by drawing cultural tourists to the region; thirty-five percent of the museum’s visitors come from outside the Wiregrass region. The needs assessment gives comparative information for current and future growth, including an estimated 2022-23 impact of $1.7 million in local tourism spending from WMA visitors, projected to double to $3.5 million in annual, local tourism spending if WMA’s operations and facility needs are addressed. 

Our leadership is enthusiastic about WMA’s future, and will use the assessment’s findings, along with our Strategic Plan, to make progress toward accreditation. Once accredited, WMA will have opportunities to access art and artists from major institutions across the country, and expand educational initiatives and strategic partnerships, elevating the Wiregrass as a national destination for the arts. The arts are a transformative tool for social and economic development. The museum’s ability to grow, and to serve greater numbers of residents and visitors, will serve as a direct catalyst for our region’s growth for generations to come.

To access the Executive Summary, click the link below:

WMA Space Needs Assessment: Executive Summary

If you are interested in the full needs assessment report and would like to request a copy, please contact Dana Lemmer, WMA’s Executive Director at dlemmer@wiregrassmuseum.org.