This Strategic Plan was created by the Essex Art Center team, including our staff and Board of Directors. It was informed by our work within the community and our conversations with artists, nonprofit partners, residents, and business owners over the past 3 years. We are grateful to everyone who shared their time, energy, and creativity.
STRATEGIC PLAN
2026 2030
Art brings us together / El arte nos une
56 Island Street, Lawrence, MA www.essexartcenter.org
CONTENTS
01 MESSAGE FROM THE ED 02 MISSION + VISION 04 FORCE FOR GOOD 06 EVERYONE IS AN ARTIST
08 COMMUNITY-BASED CREATIVE HUB 10 INVESTING IN CREATIVE FUTURES 12 AMPLIFYING CREATIVE WORK 14 CREATIVE COMMUNITY CAMPUS 16 FINANCIAL MODEL 17 CONTEXT 18 STAFF + BOARD 19 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
Imagine a thriving creative hub where artists of all backgrounds find support, mentorship, and a place to share their work. Picture Island Street as a dynamic streetscape where public art invites community members to see the world with fresh eyes. In just a few years, Essex Art Center and our building at 56 Island Street will be a cornerstone of cultural vibrancy in Lawrence. We are already growing our impact, offering greater opportunities for young people to explore careers in the arts, ensuring that their talents are nurtured and celebrated. I'm incredibly proud of our community outreach initiatives, like Fiesta en la calle, which brings people together to celebrate art and culture. And I always get excited about the dynamic work we show in our galleries. I can't wait to see what's ahead as we collaborate with community partners and work towards establishing an Arts and Cultural District. This designation will foster a creative ecosystem that brings artists, businesses, and nonprofits together for a shared vision. The impact of our work will be profound, enhancing the lives of artists and residents in Greater Lawrence and establishing a legacy of creativity that future generations can build upon. In my mind, the work of artists has never been more essential, and I've never been more committed to what Essex Art Center supports—creativity, community, and connection.
Let's do this!
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Value Words welcoming
ACCESSIBLE
transformative
EXPLORATION
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Mission Statement Essex Art Center is a community-based creative hub in Lawrence, Massachusetts, using art as a catalyst for bringing people together, sparking conversations that matter, and building community. Vision Statement A vibrant, equitable, creative Lawrence – driven by the arts.
We create a welcoming environment where individuals of all ages participate in enriching classes, workshops, and exhibitions that inspire creativity and artistic growth. Our public art installations and exhibition programs spark meaningful conversations that resonate with the concerns and aspirations of our City's residents while also engaging the broader region. We celebrate diverse voices and perspectives, using art as a powerful tool to share ideas, unite people, and strengthen our community. ESSEX ART CENTER IS A ESSEX ART CENTER IS A IN THE COMMUNITY. force for good IN THE COMMUNITY .
Goal 1: Installing numerous, site-specific, and impactful public artworks, focused on new and dynamic mediums, that are seen by the greater Lawrence community Goal 2: Hosting events and classes that bring people together, spark joy and connection, and excite creativity Goal 3: Filling gaps in school art education by providing educational programming that develops lifelong artistic learners
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WE BELIEVE IS AN AND WE HELP WE BELIEVE IS AN AND WE HELP WITH THEIR artist artist individuals
everyone
CONNECT CONNECT
WITH THEIR creativity . creativity. Whether you're 4 or 84, a novice or a professional, everyone is respected at Essex Art Center. Our galleries, studios, and community outreach programs are built on the belief that everyone— whether you're the instructor, staff member, or student—has something meaningful to contribute and ideas that can inspire.
Goal 1: Programming for all ages, experience levels, and backgrounds
Goal 2: Fostering a learning exchange across generations and artistic experience
Goal 3: Uncovering and cultivating the artist in everyone
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hub . hub. CREATIVE CREATIVE community - community- WE ARE A WE ARE A
BASED BASED
Essex Art Center is embedded within the Island Street neighborhood, a diverse community that includes housing developments, businesses, nonprofit organizations, and a public park. We are a hub for creativity and gathering. We enjoy hosting field trips, artist groups, music and dace performances, and anyone interested in creative expression. We encourage visitors to see what's on view in our galleries, grab a book from our library, and spend time creating or being surrounded by art.
Goal 1: Serving as a creative third space for the Greater Lawrence community
Goal 2: Maximizing utilization and creative possibilities of the Center’s physical space
Goal 3: Broadening awareness of the Center’s work in Lawrence and the region
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WE PREPARE THE OF ARTISTS FOR WE PREPARE THE OF ARTISTS FOR creative futures . creative futures. next generation
Our expanded, paid opportunities for young people, establish the Center as a space known and respected for its commitment to preparing the next generation for careers in creative fields. We offer year-round paid programs for young people, including our Design Collective
Curatorial Incubator Program Gallery Attendant Program Publishing Initiatives
Through these first-hand experiences, teens explore a variety of roles that make a creative space like ours thrive.
Goal 1: Preparing young artists for college applications, uncovering scholarship opportunities, and creating college-ready portfolios Goal 2: Platforming youth-led public art, empowering young people to step into their creativity
Goal 3: Amplifying the social commentary of young people in the region
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OUR EXHIBITION PROGRAMS SERVE AS FOR ARTISTS AT CRITICAL CREATIVE JUNCTURES , PROVIDING A PLATFORM THAT THEIR CREATIVE WORK AND THE COMMUNITY . OUR EXHIBITION PROGRAMS SERVE AS FOR ARTISTS AT CRITICAL CREATIVE JUNCTURES, PROVIDING A PLATFORM THAT THEIR CREATIVE WORK AND THE COMMUNITY. incubators amplifies engages We work to ensure that the community sees their lives, experiences, and aspirations reflected in the art we show. Through engaging exhibitions, we create a dynamic dialogue between artists and the community, inviting visitors to reflect on the stories behind each piece. Our galleries also serve as an important teaching tool and source of inspiration for our studio programs and local schools that visit for field trips.
Goal 1: Providing staff support and space for artists to push the boundaries of creativity and ambition Goal 2: Connecting exhibiting artists to the Center’s educational programs Goal 3: Elevating the stature of the Center by presenting renowned, aspirational artists
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WE LEVERAGE OUR CONNECTIONS WITH WE LEVERAGE OUR CONNECTIONS WITH OTHER ORGANIZATIONS AND THE CITY TO CREATE A OUR TAKE ON AN ARTS + CULTURE DISTRICT. campus , campus, creative community OTHER ORGANIZATIONS AND THE CITY TO CREATE A OUR TAKE ON AN ARTS + CULTURE DISTRICT . A designated Creative Community Campus will foster deeper connections between artists, residents, local businesses, and the community. This collaborative work will Highlight and connect Lawrence's diverse arts and cultural organizations, Attract more businesses and visitors to the area, Honor Lawrence's unique history, culture, and geography, Add even more color and vibrancy to our City, Positively impact the lives of artists and residents in our region.
Goal 1: Convening ongoing, regular meetings with District partners
Goal 2: Installing public signage or other visible and recognizable identifiers throughout the District
Goal 3: Hosting a shared District events calendar on the Center’s website
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OPERATIONAL AND FINANCIAL OVERVIEW
Goal 1: Diversify and grow revenue streams to ensure the Center’s long-term financial sustainability Goal 2: Strengthen leadership and staff capacity to effectively advance strategic and financial priorities Goal 3: Launch a focused campaign to build the Center’s endowment and secure lasting institutional stability
CONTEXT
This Strategic Plan was created by Essex Art Center’s staff and board of directors. It is informed by our work within the community and our conversations with artists, nonprofit partners, residents, and business owners over the past 4.5 years. We are grateful to everyone who shared their time, energy, and creativity. If you would like to learn more or share your ideas about the goals of Essex Art Center's Strategic Plan, please contact Executive Director Monica Lynn Manoski at monica@essexartcenter.org. Stay connected with our work by following @essexartcenter on Instagram or visiting www.essexartcenter.org.
Together, we will inspire, connect, and uplift Greater Lawrence through the transformative power of art.
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STAFF
Monica Lynn Manoski, Executive Director Gabriel Sosa, Deputy Director Mar í a S á nchez Kouassi, Education Director Gregory Pierce, Facilities Director Mariana Martins, Communications Manager Gwendolyn Lanier, Ceramics Studio Manager
BOARD
Anne Thiam, Chair Paul Therkelsen, Treasurer + Finance Chair Olivia Chung, Secretary
Allison Rieke, Development Chair Caitlyn Aguiar, Governance Chair Amy Bloom, Facilities Chair Felipe Collazo, Events Chair Patrick Guerrero Milly Joseph Jos é Rodr í guez Merylinda Santiago
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
Essex Art Center’s Strategic Plan was written and designed by Monica Lynn Manoski with photos by Mariana Martins and Gabriel Sosa. Essex Art Center thanks Dr. Erik Peterson of the arts consulting group PetersonBandar for his guidance and insights as we work to operationalize the Plan.
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