Annual Report

LETTER FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

The Arts & Science Center kicked off 2022 at full STEAM ahead and did not stop! After two years of pandemic-impacted programming and operations, we were so ready to be operating at full capacity.

For 2022, full capacity meant weekly programming and events at all three locations: Arts & Science Center, The ARTSpace and ART WORKS on Main. The ARTx3 campus was buzzing with activity.

This year we introduced a new community fundraiser event called ART ROCKS; a two-day fun community event designed to kick off ASC’s summer programming, and we brought back our classic Potpourri fundraiser gala, hosted for the first time since 2018. Through the tireless efforts of the planning committee and dedicated support of our sponsors and donors, Potpourri 2022 was an absolute success – raising over $168,000 to support upgrades to the Bellamy Theater light and sound systems and youth programming.

Throughout 2022, we strived to create an environment that was inviting and inclusive of our entire community – a place where our community looked forward to spending their time. Staff worked hard to schedule and produce the very best in arts and science programming from hands-on visual arts workshops, after-school, Saturday and summer STEAM youth activities, to thought-provoking exhibitions and entertaining theater and live music performances. As you can see from the list of events in this report, our programming was robust and diverse, and 80% was free to our visitors.

At the beginning of the year, ASC was accepted into the 2022 Museum Assessment Program (MAP) for Community and Audience Engagement through the American Alliance for Museums (AAM) and the Institute for Museums and Library Sciences. Participating in MAP prepares ASC for reaccreditation with AAM in 2026. The MAP team, consisting of ASC staff, Board members, and community partners, met for six months to complete the extensive review process which included a three-day virtual site visit from a peer reviewer with the Smithsonian Institute. In her final report, our peer reviewer concluded that “ASC is thoroughly committed to diversity and inclusion, which comes out strongly in their programming choices … ASC is a vibrant place that has done an exceptional job in turning itself around to firmly face, include and serve its community.”

You can keep ASC and the ARTx3 campus growing and thriving by continuing to make it your place for creativity; your place to engage with the community, your neighbors, your family, and friends. Your support can be given in so many ways by being a volunteer, member, donor and/or sponsor. No contribution is too small; all have a huge impact!

With much gratitude,

Dr. Rachel M. Miller