AG's annual report 2009 - Kitchener-Waterloo Art Gallery

DEVELOPMENT &
MARKETING REPORT
Development & Marketing Report
A key milestone in 2009 was the launch of a new
Gallery website with greater functionality and a
dramatic new design focusing on KW|AG as a site of
exchange for ideas. New content and videos provide
insight into our exhibitions. Feedback forms and
surveys create opportunities for the further exchange
of ideas. Several extranet sites also provide forums
for sharing information with Board members, staff,
key donors and volunteers.
Online registrations are now handled very efficiently,
and an online donations module links directly
to a new database, making it easier for patrons to
support their local Gallery. At the same time, the
system helps streamline the Gallery’s administrative
processes.
A long-time goal of improving visitor amenities
at KW|AG was realized in 2009 with the development
of the HUB, our new community lounge. The
HUB includes comfortable seating, a flat screen
video monitor, reading materials and two computers
that provide access to the permanent collection
database. The collection is a treasured community
resource and KW|AG is pleased to share it with the
community. The Gallery is especially grateful to The
Kitchener and Waterloo Community Foundation’s
Community Fund, The Erb & Good Family Funeral
Home Community Fund held at The Kitchener and
Waterloo Community Foundation, the Rotary Club of
Kitchener-Conestoga, the Rotary Club of Waterloo,
the Rotary Club of Kitchener, the Lion’s Club of
Kitchener, and the J.P. Bickell Foundation for making
the HUB project possible.
This year’s Black & Gold Gala, held on October 22 at
the Holiday Inn in Kitchener, was expertly chaired by
volunteer extraordinaire Sharon Morton. This signature
event has become a site of exchange and a lively
social event. Proceeds in 2009 exceeded budget
and expectations by netting $60,045 in support of
Gallery programming and operations.
A new partnership with Beechwood Travel and Cruise
led to the renewal of a once-thriving KW|AG activity:
art tours. In July, an enthusiastic group of art lovers
traveled to Chicago to visit celebrated art treasures.
The success of this fundraising venture has led to
planning for additional tours in the future. Special
thanks to Tony Lewis are extended for his leadership
on this project.
Curator’s Circle and Director’s Circle members are
offered enriched opportunities for exchanging
ideas through special events. In 2009, they had an
opportunity to hear Allan Harding MacKay, (March
12); exhibiting artists Susan Coolen, Phil Irish and
Catherine Paleczny (May 27); and Germaine Koh
(September 16). The year concluded with a discussion
by filmmaker Gail Singer (November 25).
Development staff worked with the Offord Group to
develop a planned gifts program in preparation for
the launch of a new campaign. New Dimensions in
Art outlines the Gallery’s aspirations for the future,
driven by a vision of KW|AG as a source for ideas and
creativity at the individual, group and community
level.
Making art accessible is one of our operating principles,
so it was with particular pleasure that we
welcomed Sun Life Financial as the Gallery’s Free
Admissions Sponsor for the 2009-2010 season.
Thanks to their support, there are no financial
impediments that might prevent members of our
community from making art a part of their lives.
Caroline Oliver
Director of Development
and Marketing