The Future of PAFA
At its core, PAFA is an institution dedicated to inspiring the public through stories of American art. Our collections, exhibitions, and programs are a testament to the vibrant tapestry of artistic expression that has helped define this nation for 200 years. As we refocus our educational mission, we remain committed to fostering a deep appreciation for the arts, and a greater understanding of America's identity through art. PAFA has a unique opportunity to make art central to the conversation of what America was in the past, what America is now, and what America could be in the future.
PAFA will…
…be a catalyst in advancing creative expression and artistic practice.
We’re deepening our commitment to serve all artists including underrepresented artists in their practice and scholarship. PAFA’s commitment includes creating multiple pathways to create and appreciate art including non-degree, certificate, and continuing education programs. Our goal is to ensure full accessibility to lifelong learning opportunities in the arts. We are actively seeking interdisciplinary partnerships with performing arts, visual arts, and cultural organizations to develop a regional creative and cultural hub, an arts ecosystem, that takes full advantage of PAFA’s unique facilities and its prime Center City location. To do so, we will continue to identify benefactors, patrons, and other donors who are interested in supporting artists and who believe in our core mission of “art for all.”
…build on our legacy, using our archives, collections, and exhibitions to tell the stories of American art that reflect the community we serve.
We are actively working to ensure that all artists are part of our mission, to tell untold stories through collecting pieces by living artists that can fill any gaps in our 20th century and historical collections. PAFA strives to use our exceptional collection to honestly examine themes relevant to American culture. We do so by assembling artists, scholars, and members of the community to share ideas and dialogue. We will continue to foster relationships with the broader community and to share our resources, especially to eliminate any barriers to using and experiencing the museum.
…create a sustainable business model by strengthening our business operations, diversifying sources of revenue and expanding our community impact.
Our new blueprint for the future seeks to tap the best of PAFA’s history and marry it to a future vision that is wholly unique, broadly enticing, and financially sustainable. While the path ahead will require commitment and focus, the difficult decision to wind down our accredited College puts PAFA as a whole on a better financial trajectory. Our renewed focus on expanding our certificate programs and continuing education opportunities, leasing out unused space to new partners, and nurturing the support of our benefactors and patrons, will put us on the path to financial sustainability.
…further a high-performance culture activated by diversity, equity and engagement, inclusion and accountability.
Artists and art appreciators encompass all ages, races, ethnicities, sexualities, gender expressions, and abilities. As artists, we celebrate the diversity among us. We are committed to ensuring all artists are included in our mission, to tell untold stories by continuing to collect the art of underrepresented and indigenous artists, and to fill any gaps in our 20th century and historical collections. PAFA will continue to foster relationships with the broader community to share our resources with a special focus on identifying and eliminating any existing barriers to using and experiencing the museum and PAFA’s educational offerings.