Mystic Arts Center Becomes Mystic Museum of Art

Mystic, CT – Mystic Arts Center announced today it will change its name to the Mystic Museum of Art (MMA). Having recently celebrated its centennial anniversary in 2013, the organization intends to operate all of its affairs according to the established professional standards of the industry. Mary Anne Stets, President of the Board of Directors said, “This new designation befits the organization’s community-minded spirit, broad educational focus, and standards of excellence.” On the heels of a strategic planning process and following a unanimous vote of the Board of Directors, the name change will take effect January 2, 2016 and be part of a rebranding effort that will be implemented over the next several months.

The Museum was able to conduct and complete a three-year strategic plan thanks to a capacity building grant from Connecticut Humanities that funded the engagement of our consultants. The process provided a tremendous opportunity for MMA leadership to have discussions about its identity, its value to the community and its contribution to scholarly programs. A large survey of constituents as well as focus groups were part of the feedback solicited to help the leadership identify strengths and opportunities as well as a name that would best describe the next century of activity for the 102 year-old organization.

MMA will continue to engage the regional art scene, teach art, foster creativity, and serve as a gathering place for the exchange of ideas. Executive Director, George King, stated that “the museum designation underscores, above all, our wish to be committed to community and place. We will be introducing and assimilating into the existing program, exhibitions that have scholarly content focusing on diverse subjects, both historical and contemporary with national and international merit, that will require exhibiting our collection, while borrowing works from other private and public lenders.”  It is also the Museum’s goal to enhance its publications program with catalogues that will accompany the new exhibition program.  Once adequate funding is secured, the Permanent Collection, will undergo a thorough assessment and review to determine its long term use, how the Museum cares for it and the development of a conservation plan.

The Museum designation also requires that the organization operates to the standards benchmarked and espoused by the American Alliance of Museums, the New England Museum Association, and the Association of Art Museum Directors.

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Located in Downtown Mystic, CT, the institution has remained a cultural attraction for the over 20,000 seasonal visitors and permanent residents of the region.  Learn more at www.mysticarts.org.