Art for All & Belonging at the PMA
We’re committed to being an open, accessible, inclusive, and welcoming museum for everyone. We call it Art for All.
Nearly a decade ago, as we neared completion of our multi-year project around accessibility, Your Museum, Reimagined, we understood that access was only just the beginning. If we wanted to be truly transformative, innovative, and community focused, we needed to spark a paradigm shift in museum culture based in belonging.
In early 2017 we put a name to this vision—Art for All—and immediately began an in-depth assessment of what it would mean for our exhibitions, programs, events, and culture of philanthropy.
And in the summer 2020, we reaffirmed our commitment to diversity, equity, accessibility, and inclusion by approving a new Strategic Plan to guide us through 2026.
Art for All is our central mission.
Mission
Art for All. The Portland Museum of Art seeks to create an inclusive space that champions open expression and makes art accessible to all.
Vision
To be a central gathering place where a strong artistic vision and the collection drive conversation, creativity, cultural vitality, and economic impact.
Values
COURAGE
We believe in bold choices, leading with humility and integrity.
EQUITY
We value all identities and seek to understand and eliminate disparities and barriers.
SERVICE
We embrace our responsibility to be in service to others and responsive to the changing needs of our community and the world.
SUSTAINABILITY
We prioritize thoughtful stewardship of the earth’s resources in all we do.
TRUST
We believe in being active listeners and transparent partners, striving every day to earn the trust of our communities, audiences, and employees.
Goals
ARTISTIC VISION
Cultivate curiosity and wonder through an artistic program that honors excellence, ideas, innovation, Maine’s rich artistic legacy, and the relationship between the local and global.
CAMPUS UNIFICATION
Reimagine the campus as an architecturally innovative gathering place for art, conversation, creativity, environmental responsibility, historic preservation, and partnerships.
EXPERIENCE
Broaden and deepen connections with audiences through experiential and immersive opportunities, community partnerships, and expanded outreach.
PEOPLE
Empower staff, board and volunteers through a culture that reflects inclusion, flexibility, and shared responsibility.
CULTURE OF PHILANTHROPY
Inspire gratitude and generosity by living our values and delivering on mission and vision.
Art for All supports the PMA's dedication to being an open, accessible, inclusive, and welcoming museum for all, through exhibitions and programs that reflect our community and create experiences with art that strengthen our bonds and bring us together.
Art For All is generously supported by the following institutions, organizations, businesses, and individuals:
Individual Support:
Anonymous (2)
Justin and Rachael Alfond
Maury and Joseph Bohan
Marion Freeman and Corson Ellis
Eileen Gillespie and Timothy Fahey
Michael and Gail Garcia
Theodora Hanson
Alison Hildreth
Douglas and Sharyn Howell
Anne and Vince Oliviero
Christopher N. Robinson
Stewart and Elizabeth Strawbridge
Dana Strong and William Hult
Foundation Support:
Funded in part by a grant from the Maine Arts Commission, an independent state agency supported by the National Endowment for the Arts
The Franklin P. and Arthur W. Perdue Foundation, Inc.
Morton-Kelly Charitable Trust
New Hampshire Charitable Foundation
P.W. Sprague Memorial Foundation
Roy A. Hunt Foundation
The William J. J. Gordon Family Foundation