Strategic plans often begin with a question: what kind of future are we working toward? At ArtsFairfax, we did what the arts model for us so well: bring people together. By engaging various stakeholders, we answered not only the kind of future for the arts in Fairfax that we envision, but also how we get there.
A Collaborative Process
Our process is grounded in engagement. Guided by a Strategic Planning Committee of the ArtsFairfax Board, the full board of directors and our dedicated staff worked with AMorrison Consulting in a thoughtful and collaborative process with many representatives from across our community. Over the course of a year, ArtsFairfax engaged County leadership, representatives from local arts organizations, and artists across a wide range of disciplines in various conversations, surveys, meetings, and reflection sessions.
A Refined Mission
As certain themes emerged, it became clear that ArtsFairfax needed to revisit the Mission, Vision, and Values we hold as guide posts in our work. Together, the board and staff refined the Mission, Vision, and Values to reflect the beliefs that drive us to strengthen creativity and artistic expression across different neighborhoods and communities throughout the region.
A 4-Year Roadmap
As a roadmap for board and staff, the plan responds to a period of organizational momentum, evolving community needs, and reflects both where ArtsFairfax is today, and where it aspires to be over the next four years. To that end, ArtsFairfax focused around four Strategic Priority Areas, each addressing a critical facet of ArtsFairfax’s role in the community and the arts sector:
- Investment & Innovation
Develop a compelling and concise value proposition that increases both regranting funds and operational support. - Advocacy & Amplification
Elevate the recognition of the arts as an essential component of our civic infrastructure. - Partnerships & Creative Placemaking
Increase opportunities for artists and arts organizations. - Operations & Institutional Sustainability
Prepare ArtsFairfax for the next level of organizational growth.
Within each priority area, ArtsFairfax names objectives that define success within each priority, and outcomes that will be used to measure progress and impact. We believe this plan offers clarity, accountability, and alignment in a way that is, and can continue to be, responsive to changing conditions while staying rooted in mission.
What Comes Next
The ArtsFairfax Strategic Plan will be used to prioritize our collective investment of time and resources and serve as a guide for how we measure organizational performance.
ArtsFairfax thanks the many civic partners who shared their feedback with us, as well as the thousands of artists and arts workers who participated in our District Arts Roundtables, Fairfax Regional Artist Survey, and networking socials. Together, these community voices helped us articulate what ArtsFairfax can do for the residents of Fairfax County.
