Turner Center for the Arts 2021-2026 Strategic Plan

Strategic Plan
2021-2026
Travis d Simmons
“People”

Contents
Executive Message
Vision | Mission | Values
Who We Are
Our History
Organization & Structure
Accomplishments
04
06
07
09
10
13
Priorities & Goals
Strategic Alliance
Marketing
Art Education
Facilities & Land Usage
Organizational Structure
Accountability & Assessment
Moving Forward
Leadership
15
16
17
18
19
21
22
23

Executive Message
The Turner Center is proud to play a critical role in supporting the arts in Georgia; and more
importantly, proud to enhance the quality of life in the southeast region through the arts.
On behalf of the Lowndes/Valdosta Arts Commission,
Inc. and the Annette Howell Turner Center for the
Arts, we are pleased to share with you our excitement
for the future of the arts across our community, state
and region. We are fortunate to live in Valdosta,
Lowndes County, Georgia where the arts and
culture sectors are thriving in our school systems, in
neighborhoods and parks, and into the furthest parts
of the county. We are pleased to be a part of 21,670
businesses and 129,383 employees statewide involved
in the creation or distribution of the arts (Americans
for the Arts, 2020). The Turner Center is proud to
play a critical role in supporting the “business of art”
in Georgia; and more importantly, we are proud to
enhance the quality of life in the southeast region
through the arts.
In the midst of the national and global health crisis
that plagued most of the year 2020, the Turner Center
focused on our privilege of safely serving our patrons
and steadfastly seeking their input and involvement
through a broad, community-based strategic planning
process. The 2021-2026 Strategic Plan is a result of
our community-wide survey, evaluations of classroom
and event experiences, and input from our board, staff,
artists, and volunteers. This Strategic Plan marks the
course ahead for the Turner Center that has evolved
out of careful consideration of all input received,
propelling us to continue to create the highest quality
experiences through our arts education, entertainment
and culture enrichment programs that our community
has come to expect.
04

We thank a very diligent Strategic Planning Committee
who guided the conversations that were inclusive and
energized. We are also grateful for the leadership of the
LVAC Board and for their approval of this plan that will
advance the Turner Center to the next level of excellence.
Furthermore, we are obliged to the city of Valdosta and
Lowndes County for their sustained advocacy for the
arts, as well as the National Endowment for the Arts,
the Georgia Council for the Arts, Georgians for the Arts,
South Arts, Inc., and a host of other friends who provide
inspiration, funding and other resources to help us to
achieve our goals as described in this Strategic Plan.
The year 2020 presented many challenges to the arts
including how to provide safe and creative ways to engage
in the arts and how to provide a more diverse and inclusive
experience for our patrons. The Turner Center continues
to be a popular gathering place in the South for dynamic
engagement with the arts. Through multidisciplinary
classes and programming for the regional community,
the Turner Center seeks to inspire creative expression in
all people and stimulate an environment for the arts to
flourish for years to come.
For the love of the arts,
Bruce Smith
LVAC President
Sementha Mathews
Executive Director
05

Vision, Mission
& Values
Vision
The Lowndes/Valdosta Arts Commission (LVAC), parent organization of the
Annette Howell Turner Center for the Arts (Turner Center), inspires all people
to appreciate and use artistic expression to enrich their lives and to improve the
social and economic health of their vibrant communities.
Mission
The mission of the Lowndes/Valdosta Arts Commission (LVAC) is to promote
and celebrate the arts by serving as a regional center for cultural enrichment,
education and entertainment.
Values
Commit to service
Value the creative process
Foster diversity and inclusion of all people
Produce quality programs and events
Promote artistry through education
Pledge ethical behavior
Strengthen our position as a community role model
Nurture a multi-faceted artistic experience
Empower people to appreciate and participate in the arts
06

Who we are
The Community
The Annette Howell Turner Center for the
Arts is an anchor for the creative community
in Valdosta, Georgia. Established in 1860,
Valdosta, the county seat of Lowndes
County, has a population of 56,457, per U.S.
Census data. Lowndes County, established
in 1825, has a population of 117,406 and
is also one of four counties that make up
the Valdosta Metropolitan Statistical Area
(Brooks, Echols, Lanier, and Lowndes) with a
combined population of 139,588. The Turner
Center proudly serves these residents, as
well as the populations of the surrounding
communities in South Georgia and North
Florida.
Other interesting facts about the area,
according to 2019 U.S. Census data, are:
The residents of Valdosta are nearly
evenly split male and female; 22.9
percent are under the age of 18 and 11.4
percent are over age 65.
More than 40.8 percent of the Valdosta
residents are white, 52.9 percent are
African American, and 5.3 percent are
Hispanic, with the remainder being made
up of Pacific Islander, Asian, and other.
More than 10,858 veterans reside
in Valdosta and Lowndes County
communities.
Nearly 84.4 percent of Lowndes County
residents who are 25 years or older are
high school graduates; more than 51
percent have attended college; and 25.7
percent have earned a Bachelor’s degree
or higher.
The combined non-government economy
in Valdosta and Lowndes County is led
by the following industries: advanced
manufacturing, agribusiness and food
processing, warehouse and distribution,
and healthcare.
Some of the major employers in the
region include South Georgia Medical
Center, Valdosta State University, Moody
Air Force Base and the local government
and school systems.
07

“
The City of Valdosta recognizes the
tremendous value of the artistic and
cultural enrichment experiences
provided by the Annette Howell
Turner Center for the Arts for
our residents and visitors to our
community. The arts are a powerful
resource for revitalization and
provide physical, social, cultural and
economic benefits. There is no doubt
that the Turner Center has added
to the tourism and culture of our
community. The Turner Center is a
vital part of our city, helping us to
become better versions of ourselves
and making us a better community.
I believe Valdosta has embraced the
arts and successfully transformed our
”
community to be inclusive, inviting
and innovative.
City of Valdosta
Mayor Scott James Matheson
The Lowndes/Valdosta Arts Commission (LVAC) was
chartered in 1962 as an outgrowth of Arts, Inc., which
was the earliest cohesive promoter of the arts in our
community. LVAC was reorganized in 1978 as a private
non-profit corporation. For years, it was housed in the
“Turpentine Building,” a small facility near Valdosta
State University. Following a successful capital
campaign beginning in 1993, LVAC purchased a parcel
of land on N. Patterson Street and renovated the
former First State Bank and Trust building as its new
home. Former Georgia Senator Dr. Loyce Turner and
his family gave a significant gift to the Center to be
named in memory of his late wife, Annette Howell
Turner. The Annette Howell Turner Center for the
Arts was dedicated in April 2003. The ADA compliant
Center now houses:
Seven galleries
Two classrooms
Two music rooms
A conference room
A gift shop showcasing local and regional
artists’ works
An art library
State-of-the-art kitchen for culinary classes
Two outdoor water features
Venue rental space
Center administrative offices
08

Our history
The Turner Center has become an
integral gathering place for social,
business and nonprofit functions,
as well as a popular rental space for
private parties, weddings, rehearsal
dinners, baby and bridal showers,
and other special events.
In 2007, the Center obtained and
subsequently transformed an
adjacent building to become its
pottery and ceramics studio. The
Hudson Pottery Studio was named
in honor of Leona and Dugald
Hudson, whose 2008 estate gift
doubled the Center’s Endowment
Fund. The Center’s campus also
includes the Art Annex, which was
renovated in 2018 and houses two
large youth classrooms, meeting and
rental space, and artist studios.
In 2019, an adjoining vacant lot
was converted into the beautifully
landscaped Art Park, featuring a
fully powered pavilion for classes,
music concerts and special occasion
rentals, and housing public art
pieces, several murals, and picnic
benches for outdoor enjoyment—
the first of its kind in the city of
Valdosta.
A construction project in 2020
expanded the Hudson Pottery
Studio to include patron restrooms
for the Art Park venue and a large
covered patio space for outdoor
classroom use.
In 2021, LVAC received a generous
donation from Dan and Carolyn
Coleman to acquire the adjacent
former Synovus Bank property on
N. Ashley Street. The purchase
expanded the Turner Center campus
by two buildings and a much-needed
parking lot. One of the buildings will
become the Meta Shaw Coleman
Children’s Art Museum, in memory
of Dan Coleman’s mother, and
will open in fall 2022. The other
building is being considered for a
glassblowing operation.
The LVAC Board and Turner Center
staff continue to examine ways
to wholly utilize their campus to
provide a variety of meaningful
experiences for the diverse
populations they serve.
09

Organization
& Structure
“
As the Artist-in-Residence, I am grateful for the resourceful space that
”
the Turner Center provides me that inspires me to create. I am proud to
serve the Turner Center by pouring myself into my paintings, teaching
art to our patrons, and networking with my peers—all of which
strengthens me into a more well-rounded artist.
Artist Annette Crosby
10

LVAC is governed by a volunteer Board of Directors that meets
monthly nine times a year. The Board’s primary responsibilities
include hiring and working closely with the Executive Director,
setting and overseeing the general policies and procedures
of the Turner Center, as well as approving and supporting the
activities of standing committees. The standing committees,
made up of chairs and board members who work together
with Turner Center staff to accomplish the goals and priorities
of the mission, include:
Education Committee
Finance Committee
Governance and Nominating Committee
House Committee
Long-Range Planning Committee
Marketing Committee
Personnel Committee
Presenter Series Committee
Special Events Committee
Visual Arts Committee
Daily operations are performed by the Executive Director and
a professional, paid staff. An extensive network of volunteers
serves as front-desk ambassadors who attend to Center needs
in a myriad of other ways.
11

CENTER FOR THE ARTS GUILD
The purpose of the Center for the Arts Guild (CAG) is
to promote interest in and render service to the Turner
Center. CAG membership is open to all persons showing
genuine interest in the Turner Center. CAG’s Executive
Board raises funds to support:
Center operations
Educational programs for adults and children
Educational scholarships
Capital improvements
CAG also provides:
Refreshments for Center gallery opening receptions
Art ambassadors to staff the Center’s
reception desk
Volunteers at Center events
Pre-show dinners during the Presenter Series
season
THE ARTS IN THE CENTRAL SOUTH GEORGIA REGION
The Central South Georgia Region has a rather sizable and cohesive cultural arts scene. The Turner Center allies
with the following arts organizations and businesses in the region, including but not limited to:
Adult and youth theater programs
Area nonprofits
Area-wide arts presenters, performers and
programmers
Art galleries, frame shops, and other art retailers
Arts educators including university, college, K-12
art departments and homeschools
Boys and Girls Club of Valdosta
Dance studios
Literary groups
Local government art initiatives
Lowndes County Conference Center &
Tourism Authority
Moody AFB adult and youth programs
Peach State Summer Theatre
Performance studios
Theatre Guild Valdosta
Valdosta Choral Guild
Valdosta Public Art Advisory Committee
Valdosta State University
Valdosta Symphony Orchestra & Guild
Wiregrass Georgia Technical College
12

PAST, CURRENT, ONGOING
Accomplishments
Expanded campus to include two acquired buildings and an additional parking lot
Completed six capital improvement projects
Developed a sizable vacant lot into the community’s first Art Park
Established an Artist-in-Residence program
Increased Endowment Fund to $1.82 million (as of February 2021)
Increasing public art in the community through collaboration with the Valdosta
Public Art Advisory Committee
Created ARToberfest, a regional art festival held every October in the
Art Park
Possesses no mortgage debt
Maintains two permanent art collections: East African Art and Fine
European Porcelain
Maintains Yamaha Baby Grand Piano for educational and entertainment
endeavors
Received the 2020 Preservation Award from the Valdosta Tree Commission for
preservation of trees on its campus
Maintains an inventory of musical instruments for student instruction
Established an on-site art library through a partnership with the South Georgia
Library Systems of Georgia.
Established a STEAM On Tour collection of 29 professionally framed prints of
historically famous art works and corresponding curriculum, available to local
educators to borrow for use in the classroom.
13

ONGOING ACTIVITIES AND PROGRAMS
Spring into Art – 34 years (open annual exhibition that invites visual artists working in most two- and threedimensional
mediums to exhibit their work and compete for $6,000 in cash awards)
Presenter Series – 50+ years (annual presentation of professionally produced, national touring
Broadway-style shows)
Gallery Art Exhibits – 20+ exhibits annually showcasing professional local, regional and international artists
DrawProject – 16 years (annual fundraising collaboration with VSU that benefits student art scholarships)
Youth Art Month and Regional High School Art Competition – 17 years (annual celebration in conjunction with
Georgia and National Youth Art Month celebrations)
Music in the Art Park – 2 years of concerts, cultural heritage and dramatic presentations
Valdosta City Photo Contest – 13 years (annual collaboration with the City of Valdosta that celebrates
photographic art depicting our beautiful community)
Art Explorations – 14 years (annual collaboration with the Boys and Girls Club of Valdosta and the Valdosta State
University Department of Art & Design)
Art classes and workshops – 200+ offered annually
Artist talks, book signings and other special presentations – throughout the year
Musical instruction for adults and youth
Scholarships are available for classes
14

Priorities
& Goals
The Lowndes/Valdosta Arts Commission Board of Directors and Turner
Center for the Arts staff seeks to accomplish 10 goals within five identified
priority areas of Center growth to positively impact the future of the arts in
our community.
STRATEGIC ALLIANCE
Goal 1
Strengthen financial stability and sustainability of
the Turner Center
Objectives
a. Increase number and amounts of grants received each year
b. Increase annual contributions through our membership program
c. Create a “Legacy Foundation” to raise endowment funds for future stability
d. Increase earned income and fundraising capability
e. Ensure the integrity of the Turner Center’s accounting systems and processes
Goal 2
Reinforce the Turner Center’s position as a means for
regional economic development
Objectives
a. Grow community involvement and financial support for the Turner Center
through increased focus on development of partnerships
b. Boost participation of more segments of the population based on addition or
shift in programming
c. Work with area government agencies to further develop the arts as a tool for
economic growth
d. Cultivate alliances with area cultural organizations
e. Strengthen relationships with regional artists for mutual economic benefits
15

MARKETING
Goal 3
Create marketing strategies that reinforce the brand
of the Turner Center throughout the region
Objectives
a. Increase awareness of, participation in, and support of the diverse
programs and activities of the Turner Center
b. Increase membership in the Turner Center
c. Maintain and enhance major donor recognition programs
d. Continue to identify new areas and groups to market and support
Turner Center programs
e. Drive participation through expanded outreach
f. Develop and utilize methods to solicit public input
16

ART EDUCATION
Goal 4
Enhance Turner Center programs to engage and
sustain community participation
Objectives
a. Develop partnerships that provide dedicated funding for
specific programs
b. Continue to expand computer-based art and
technology classes
c. Continue to expand Artist-in-Residence
program
17

FACILITIES AND LAND USAGE
Goal 5
Maintain, update and reconfigure physical assets in support of our
mission and programs
Objectives
a. Maintain a monthly, quarterly, yearly checklist (record) for the maintenance, safety and security of the facilities
b. Enhance outdoor signage, through collaboration with appropriate committees, to increase communication of
activities and create excitement about entering the Turner Center
c. Coordinate with LVAC committees to identify physical and technological needs for current and future programs
d. Continue development of a comprehensive land and building use plan for all Turner Center properties to
explore opportunities and determine best short-term use and evaluate long-term direction
18

ORGANIZATIONAL
STRUCTURE
Goal 6
Identify, develop and define the roles of Turner Center
volunteers
Objectives
a. Recruit and train qualified volunteers
b. Encourage volunteers to support staff and Turner Center events
c. Improve retention of volunteers
Goal 7
Nurture a quality work environment
Objectives
a. Maintain training and succession plans to ensure continuity
of all staff positions
b. Assess and promote ongoing professional development of staff
19

Goal 8
Ensure proficient development and governance
of the Board of Directors
Objectives
a. Define and communicate individual responsibilities to LVAC
Board members
b. Ensure stability of the Board of Directors by encouraging
professional development
c. Ensure that the Board reflects diversity of community through
intentional recruitment
Goal 9
Revise Policies and Procedures Manuals
Goal 10
Develop a policy to address need to exemplify
diversity and inclusivity in all areas of
Turner Center governance and operations.
20

Accountability
& Assessment
The Strategic Plan requires the engagement of the entire LVAC Board and conscientious attention to program
progress and evaluation. Our measurable goals are tied to our vision. The highlights of the assessment process are:
Tracking progress of goals, outcomes and measurable action steps using the established progress template
Communicating with those responsible for carrying out assignments
Monitoring budgets
Guiding the Strategic Plan to projected timelines
Reporting progress to entire LVAC Board on a regular basis
21

Moving forward
“
The arts are a
crucial part of
the quality of life
component in
Lowndes County;
and we are
extremely fortunate
to have the premier
regional arts center,
the Annette Howell
Turner Center
for the Arts, in
our community.
Lowndes County
fully supports the
Turner Center’s
efforts in making the
arts a top priority
”
for Lowndes County
and our citizens.
Lowndes County
Board of Commissioners
Chairman Bill Slaughter
22
Courageously Moving Forward
“Creativity Takes Courage,” said In 2022, the Turner Center
the renowned French artist Henri celebrates 60 years of art cultivation
Matisse. The unforeseen global within the communities of Valdosta,
events of 2020 confirmed in us Lowndes County and across our
collectively—as board and staff region. For years to come, we will
members, stakeholders, volunteers, continue to play a vital role in
and patrons—that the arts are an economic development, and our
essential element of life in which artists will serve as catalysts to
all people should have equal
enrich and revitalize the community.
access. The assurance we received The accomplishment of the 2021-
during the COVID-19 pandemic 2026 Strategic Plan places the
strengthened our resolve to
Turner Center in a position to
courageously step “outside the box” strengthen the region and enhance
with creative art programs, enriching our deep commitment to serve as
cultural events, and inclusive
leaders, educators and mentors.
opportunities for all.
We will carefully utilize our roles
to further intensify community
The Turner Center for the Arts’ impact through increased outreach,
2021-2026 Strategic Plan provides innovative development, economic
the blueprints to move forward growth and creative placemaking.
with an increasing enthusiasm to
accomplish that task. With a priority We expect the 2021-2026 Strategic
on strategic alliances, marketing, Plan to fulfill the expectations of our
art education, facilities and land patrons and stakeholders and have
usage, and organizational structure, a profound impact on current and
coupled with 10 solid goals and future operations. We courageously
related action steps, we confidently and enthusiastically look forward to
embark on our creative future. the privilege.

Leadership
LVAC Board Officers
2020-2022
Bruce Smith – President
Tina Folsom – Vice President
Al Turner – Treasurer
Stefani Carroll – Secretary
LVAC Board
2020-2021
Jennifer Alvarez
Beverly Blake
Stephanie Blevins
Jane Burgsteiner
Stefani Carroll
Jennifer Carter
Cheryl Copeland
Katharine Courson
Michele Corbitt
Tina Folsom
Courtney Gooding
Merry Jo Kurrie
Allen Lehmann
Nancy McGee
Cheryl Oliver
Michelle Patten
Carla Penny
Lisa Posas
Jennifer Powell
Sally Turner Querin
Frank Richards
David Rose
Bruce Smith
Roni King Strickland
Al Turner
Mala Vallotton
Steven S. Walker
Nancy DeRuyter Warren
Turner Center
for the Arts Staff
Sementha Mathews
Executive Director
Roy Fricks
Office Administrator
Rebecca Gallagher
Marketing/Public Relations
Administrator
Jessica Ganas
Office Manager
Taylor Gray & Heather Roberts
Administrative Assistants
Bill Shenton
Artistic Administrator
Harlee Webb
Art Education Administrator
Strategic Planning
Task Force
Cheryl Oliver, Chair
Beverley Blake
Tina Folsom
Nancy McGee
Carla Penny
Sally Turner Querin
Bruce Smith
Mala Vallotton
Steven S. Walker
Nancy DeRuyter Warren
Sementha Mathews, Facilitator
23

Annette Crosby
“Celebration”
527 N. PATTERSON STREET | VALDOSTA, GA 31601
TURNERCENTER.ORG | 229.247.2787