Arthur started at RTPI on March 1 of last year and his first official duty as CEO was to close the museum due to the COVID-19 Pandemic. At the end of 2020, RTPI lost 75% of their revenues. It was a tough year like many other organizations experienced.
On December 3, RTPI had an electrical fire which closed the museum down for another 6 months. The leadership and staff at RTPI are feverishly working to prepare RTPI to open again to the public on May 29 with a celebration!
During the pandemic year and due to the unforeseen fire, RTPI took advantage of the down year to engage in a strategic planning initiative to move RTPI forward. Arthur spoke to the club about the Organization Lifecycle of how Non-Profits evolve. RTPI had reached a bit of a stale patch and it was time to either keep going in the wrong direction or chart a course correction and reinvent the purpose of RTPI.
The new strategic plan is called “RTPI Rising.” Named after the proverbial “Phoenix Rising” the plan was apropos for the issues facing the museum and its future.
Arthur explained thar Roger’s signature achievement was the Field Guide. The Field Guide has sold millions of copies all over the world. Roger used art and illustration to bring birds to life on the page.
Arthur shared a couple strategic goals with the club.
Goal 1 – Build RTPI into a nature art museum of regional & national significance – “Art that Matters to the Planet.” – RTPI wants to feature art that goes beyond nature but also talks about the significant changes to the planet and the threat of climate change, etc. The vision is art that can make a difference and encourage change. It is RTPI’s hope that the experience will leave people feeling hopeful and energized.
As part of this strategic goal, RTPI will be offering The Art of the Osprey – anew exhibition coming to RTPI – this exhibition will feature the photographic work of Dr. Jeanne Wiebenga and Roger. The exhibit will explain the dangers of DDT and its effects on the osprey population.
RTPI will also be partnering with places like Jackson, CWC, Seneca Iroquois, Audubon and NYS DEC and is also working on program like Yoga with the Birds, Art after Five, Bird Walks, etc. There will be a lot more energy and vitality at RTPI!
Art & Nature Trail – another new feature will be the Art & Nature Trail. This trial will be outdoors and will also include an indoors section that ends up in an Art & Nature Lab. RTPI has also commissioned an artist to do a mural and a chainsaw artist.
Goal 3 – Drive the cultural economy of Jamestown and the CHQ region. This will be evident in partnerships with places like the Jackson Venter and Comedy Center, etc.
Society of Animal Artists – RTPI signed an agreement to launch their annual exhibition every year. It is RTPI’s hope that this will be the signature event every year and will bring tourists and revenue to the Chautauqua County area. It’s time to celebrate Jamestown!
Goal 4 – Build the operation and financial capacity; RTPI launched a capital campaign called the Phoenix Fund with 4 board members who donated $100,000 each. This resulted in $400,000 in the bank to hire new staff to carry out the strategic plan. RTPI Foundation will also allocate an additional $500,000.
RTPI is moving forward and there are many exciting years ahead for this organization. As a board member, I have been impressed with the strategic direction of the organization and am honored to serve on the board of such a special and unique institution.
To learn more, please visit the RTPI web site at
www.rtpi.org.
