Minnesota Marine Art Museum Announces Study Summit on February 3rd and 10th to Enhance Visitor Experience and Deepen Connection to the River

The Minnesota Marine Art Museum (MMAM) in Winona, Minnesota, will begin a Campaign Readiness Study to determine the financial capacity, leadership potential, general interest, and economic climate for a possible $6.7M campaign. The study will examine the support and opportunities to raise funds for a proposed transformative vision for its stunning seven-acre riverside campus. This exciting plan will reimagine and enhance the visitor experience by deepening connections to the Mississippi River and MMAM's mission of exploring our relationship with water through meaningful art experiences.

“Our unique position on the Upper Mississippi River provides an unparalleled opportunity to connect to art, water, and the natural environment,” said the Executive Director of MMAM, Scott Pollock. “This project is about creating immersive experiences that inspire visitors while solidifying our place as a must-see cultural destination in the Midwest.”

The Campaign Readiness Study Summit will be holding private, confidential interviews, focus groups and feedback via an online public survey for one month before the Study Summit.

Highlights of the proposed capital campaign are:

1. Atrium, Education & Welcome Center Remodel

   • Creating a new space featuring updated visitor services, a retail area, and a café, as well as an expanded staff workspace to enhance innovation and the overall visitor experience.

2. Art Acquisition Fund

   • Establishing an endowment to support the acquisition and presentation of visionary works of art, enabling MMAM to collaborate with world-renowned collections and artists.

3. Makerspace Gallery and Watercraft Open Studio

   • Redesigning a gallery for hands-on studio arts education, where visitors can engage in activities like outdoor painting classes, boat crafting, and basket weaving.

4. Outdoor Hub, Nature Play Space, and Campus-Wide Art Walk

   • Developing a four-season outdoor classroom and nature play space, with a 0.75-mile boardwalk trailhead, showcasing the museum’s natural surroundings and art installations.

5. Boat Dock and Water Access Experience

   • Constructing a boathouse and dock to provide an access to the river for educational and recreational opportunities, offering a new way to experience the riverside campus.

6. Stilted Studios & Water Immersion Experience

   • Building studio houses for resident artists and visitors including a sauna and soaking water immersion experience to celebrate the maritime culture of the region.

     
     

Since its founding in 2006, MMAM has grown from a small team to a robust cultural institution serving over 35,000 visitors annually. The museum's Board of Directors has retained Crescendo Fundraising Professionals to complete the campaign readiness study to assess philanthropic interest and gather feedback on this visionary expansion.

“The expansion will secure MMAM’s future as a vital community asset and position it as a leader in the arts and cultural landscape,” says Bill Hoel, MMAM Board President. “We’re excited to hear from our community and partners as we progress with this transformative project.”

The campaign readiness study will be managed by five advisors from Crescendo Fundraising Professionals, LLC. The firm has 25 years of capital campaign experience and has completed 45 successful campaigns.

If you’d like to learn more about how Crescendo Fundraising Professionals can support your nonprofit organization or municipality, feel free to reach out to us at ellen@crescendollp.com or 507-459-1989. Or, visit our website, crescendoconsultingllp.com.