OVERVIEW:
For over a decade, various stakeholders of Torpedo Factory Art Center have commissioned studies, reports and plans to review and comment on, issues at the Art Center. The issues ranged from governance, management, and financial issues, to articulating a shared mission, purpose, and vision for the enterprise. Several of the stakeholders pointed out the TFAC has evolved into a more inward-looking organization without clear programming for the community, and that it needs to evolve outward looking. Further, the main takeaway goal from 2017 Community Engagement Report was stated as a need to “broaden and deepen the Art Center’s community connectivity.” All stakeholders agreed that change is necessary for the good of the community and to reestablish the Art Center as a leader in the art world.
Torpedo Factory Art Center has had a long and distinguished history culminating in the 70s and 80s as a model for placemaking and unique way for the public to see artists at work. Today, the public has multiple ways to consume art and the novelty of seeing art being made is varied across the country. To avoid being left behind; the Art Center must adapt to an ever-changing landscape of 21st century art institutions to regain its place as an arts leader.
Some of the elements such this 21st century Art Center should embody include:
- A new look at the state and content of the 21st Century arts with special attention to the intersection of art and technology through newsworthy programing;
- Identifying the viewer or visitor as equally important in the art process as the artist;
- Promoting the core role of the arts in human-wellness, creative expression, and empathy.
- A successful response to the changing expectations of contemporary audiences for interactive, immersive experiences, special events, temporary exhibitions, and contemporary art;
- An updated strategy for assessing and meeting the contemporary needs of artists and the arts community;
- Non-traditional life-long learning opportunities, especially for older adults;
- Inclusion and diversity in audiences, artists, and art
- Expanded definition of “art” to include culinary arts, music, and performances;
- Art and arts education as economic drivers;
- Effective collaborations with community and arts organizations, both for profit and not-for-profit
Culminating the stakeholder studies, reports, and plans, the City of Alexandria commissioned a “Study of Studies” to cull the best recommendations and directions from all 15 of those previous efforts (appendix reference), as well as, provide fresh insights to create the 21st Century Torpedo Factory Art Center.
To that end, this Action Plan represents an immediate response to the challenge of creating a 21st Century Art Center to effectively move the Art Center in a positive direction and address some immediate, short term improvements to intentionally grow the Art Center into the future.
Through the City’s sound management of Torpedo Factory Art Center over the past several years, a solid set of management procedures and practices have been established, providing a sound foundation for next steps including: space leasing and studio-management policy and practices, first floor upgrades, sustainable fiscal policy and practices, and experimental events to test and evaluate a more public-facing Art Center. Events such as the Late Shift art parties and weekend long Torpedo Beer and Wine Garden have showed audiences are hungry for new expenses.
Additionally, the City has proved Old Town is ready to enjoy, consume, and experience a 21st century art experience thanks to the results of the temporary public-art installation at Waterfront Park, Mirror Mirror by New York based SOFTlab and Wrought, Knit, Labors, Legacies by Olalekan Jeyifous and the new Art Center events increased visitation and the media profile of Old Town through contemporary, publicly accessible art.
While the outcomes and results of this Action Plan are being executed, the City will undertake the development of an architectural plan for the renovation and repurposing of the entire building while also creating a detailed business plan to ensure a sustainable financial future for Torpedo Factory Art Center in alignment with the City of Alexandria strategic plan as well as the City’s arts, waterfront, and economic development plans, and other relevant City plans.
Together, these plans will combine to shape a 21st Century Art Center ready to successfully and sustainably serve the City of Alexandria and the greater community for the next decade.
