With funding support from the New Jersey Cultural Trust, West Windsor Arts has spent the last year developing its next strategic plan. This plan came at a critical time for the organization as it re-emerges from the challenges of the last two years. West Windsor Arts worked with Allison Trimarco of Creative Capacity, LLC to facilitate the strategic planning process. We sought to build on our learning from pandemic operations to expand our impact, reach new participants, and build long-term organizational capacity.
Creative Capacity conducted community research to inform the planning process, including interviews with key staff, board officers, and external stakeholders. Twenty-four staff and faculty and eight board members completed an online survey that gathered input on key issues and opportunities. A community survey received 524 responses (45% of respondents had participated at WWA in the past three years, and 44% live in WWA’s home zip code of 08550).
Board and staff members held a full-day planning retreat in February 2022. A strategic planning committee worked with Creative Capacity to build the plan, with support from all staff. In parallel with the strategic planning process, our board was working with NonProfitConnect/Wallace Leadership to conduct a board assessment and develop strategies for expanding the board. The recommendations from that process have been integrated into the strategic plan.
One of the main outcomes of the plan is that it positions West Windsor Arts to encourage creativity and connection among the whole community by believing that the arts are for everyone and should be included in all facets of the community.
Along with 3 key goals, we have a new mission, a new DEAI statement, and an updated Artistic Vision. We invite you to review and read the full plan HERE.
