Board development and support for strategic planning process for the newly reopened Shepparton Art Museum
THE CONTEXT
Shepparton Art Museum presents outstanding art to its audiences and understands the importance of its contribution to cultural enrichment, community engagement and economic prosperity of the Greater Shepparton region. The Biennial Sidney Myer Fund Australian Ceramic Award and the national Indigenous Ceramic Award are key features in the Museums program and role in the thriving local and national parts community. The iconic cubic museum was designed by leading Australian architects, Denton Corker Marshall. The 30m high cube is made up of four floating L-shaped metal plates, evoking an abstract sculptural form. The new Museum overlooks Victoria Park Lake and is the first museum/art gallery in Australia to achieve a 6 Star Green Star Design and Built certification from the Green Building Council of Australia.
THE BRIEF
Positive Solutions was engaged to assist with board induction designed to ensure all board members, regardless of their prior experience of directorships of non-profit organisations had a common understanding of and involvement in key board functions. Strategic planning support was also required to update the existing strategic plan and develop clear monitoring and performance measurement strategies.
OUR APPROACH
Our approach included an on-site Board Development Day training session followed by Strategy Development Workshops. Initial interviews with the Board and Foundation Chairs and a review of documentation informed preparations for the facilitated full-day Board training session. Topics covered included the role of the board, legal duties, maintaining effective meetings – and the linkage between the Board and CEO/ Museum Director. The future relationship between the Museum company and the Museum Foundation was explored. The development process was designed to ensure all board members, regardless of their prior experience of directorships of non-profit organisations had a common understanding of and involvement in key board functions. Positive Solutions then facilitated strategy sessions for the SAM Board and staff, to align the whole organisation behind a common vision for
SAM’s future, and clarify future key results areas.
THE RESULT
Clear roles and strong alignment between the Board of the Museum and the Foundation are key outcomes intended from the current board development process. An up-to-date Strategic Plan, reflecting the tremendous opportunities presented by the new SAM building, will guide SAM’s programs and organisational development.
