The Mahaiwe Performing Arts Center

GOAL ONE: Engage new and existing audiences with a broader array of programming that challenges, surprises, and delights.
1. Cement the Mahaiwes reputation as a premier performing arts curator by expanding programming to include new artists and new work that is responsive to current topics and aesthetic trends.
2. Expand the Mahaiwes target audience.
3. Broaden public awareness of the Mahaiwe and tell its story in compelling and effective ways so the Mahaiwe is widely acknowledged as a vital asset to the community.

GOAL TWO: Deepen the sense of belonging and pride of ownership within the Mahaiwes various communities.
1. Engage a broader swath of the Great Barrington community, both in the theater and outside its walls, to foster a personal and authentic connection to the arts.
2. Build an expanded volunteer corps over the course of the five-year plan to embed the Mahaiwe further in the community.
3. Model equitable and inclusive practices consistent with our stated values and diversity commitment.
4. Instill trust, confidence, and loyalty among key stakeholders.

GOAL THREE: Maximize mission-fulfillment, flexibility, resilience, and institutional sustainability by ensuring that financial reserves and facilities fully support artistic ambitions.
1. Preserve and honor the Mahaiwe theaters historic importance and secure its integrity for the coming century.
2. Establish a small, flexible presentation space and patron gathering space.
3. Establish and grow financial reserves for non-self-funding aspects of the program.

GOAL FOUR: Inspire deep and lasting engagement and loyalty from our staff, board, and donors.
1. Energize and nurture the dedication of employees through adequate staffing, training, and appropriate compensation.
2. Align the Board of Directors on a shared vision of the Mahaiwes place in the community and develop the boards functions to achieve that vision.
3. Produce growth in donors and dollars across annual, planned, and major giving.
4. Concurrent with the above, explore the feasibility and optimal approach to a multimillion dollar capital campaign.

STRATEGIC PLAN SUMMARY
Now in its 20th year and looking toward a quarter-century anniversary in 2030 or, 125 for the theater itself the Mahaiwe Performing Arts Center has grown steadily from scrappy start-up to pillar of the cultural landscape. Over the last two decades, our theater building has weathered, our industry has emerged from a pandemic to new conditions, our local population has grown more diverse across multiple factors, and social consciousness is heightened. Responding to those changes and anticipating more, Mahaiwe leadership, with input from a broad array of key stakeholders, has crafted a five-year Strategic Plan to create a stronger and more vibrant institution, one ever more prepared to bring you the best the performing arts world has to offer, to engage deeply with our community, and to contribute to the region for another century and more.

VISION: In 2028, the Mahaiwe Performing Arts Center will be a thriving multi-venue cultural hub, known for presenting something new and exciting every week and growing new generations of performing arts enthusiasts. With a historic building that feels like homeand a small performance space that shakes things upwe will be able to look to the future from a firm foundation.