We have a collaborative vision. Now what?
We have a collaborative vision. Now what?
Bringing a vision into reality is hard work. The vision on the horizon is sometimes clear, but oftentimes blurry beyond recognition. And that vision may not look exactly the same for everyone.
As challenging as it is sometimes, collaboration with a number of constituents is the only way to see that vision materialize.
When the Milwaukee Youth Arts Center (MYAC) was just a dream, there were a number of key audiences that participated. Countless perspectives were brought to the table, all of which helped clarify the vision. Each youth arts education organization and the community at large had their own particular needs.
The partner organizations that conceived MYAC, Milwaukee Youth Symphony Orchestra (MYSO) and First Stage Children’s Theater, first assembled a Steering Committee of board members and volunteers form each organization, community leaders, staff, and many others. The committee laid the groundwork and facilitated a feasibility study to look at the needs of both organizations. These initial leaders were instrumental in bringing the small vision of a new space into reality. From the Steering Committee a Capital Campaign Cabinet was formed to address fundraising. The Committee, with input from the architects, began the long process of site surveys.
In 2003 it was decided that a new entity should be incorporated to oversee the new facility. The Milwaukee Youth Arts Center, Inc. germinated. The newly formed MYAC Board of Directors provided guidance to the Steering Committee and Cabinet and would later replace both.
The Steering Committee and Board of Directors also worked closely with the Boards of both First Stage and MYSO to establish an operating agreement to which both groups would adhere and establish the separation of the now three organizations.
Arts organizations from throughout the community were asked how a new facility could improve their ability to deliver high-quality youth arts education programs.
Listening to the needs of the community ensured that the new facility would be used to its full capacity.
The staff of both partner organizations participated by offering support staff and guidance for the day-to-day needs of the organizations.
Parents and students were another key audience we listened to. From them we learned what type of environment and amenities would be attractive.
Was the collaborative process sometimes challenging? Yes. Was it worth the countless volunteer hours…okay, months…of dozens of dedicated people necessary to open the doors of MYAC. Absolutely!
There are dedication signs throughout MYAC thanking everyone that was involved in bringing the vision to life. But the signs are misplaced. Their names should be permanently etched on the entry door handle. The print would be incredibly small because there are so many. They’re the ones that opened the door. They invited the youth of our community to come in and discover themselves.
