Merrill Arts Center

History

Merrill Arts Center (MAC) was originally incorporated in 1996 as Woodbury Arts Council. Founded by a small group of citizens who were watching the explosive growth of their beloved tiny farm town. They wanted to be certain that the city planners were taking the arts into consideration. At first, the group functioned primarily as a matchmaking and advocacy group, showing up at city council and planning meetings, networking as the voice of the arts in Chamber of Commerce events, and helping to connect new community members to existing arts organizations.  The group operated as an all-volunteer organization, with a part-time Executive Director for over a decade, with a small budget around $25,000 until Dorothy K. Merrill passed away and left a quarter of her estate to the Arts Council to build “The Dorothy K. Merrill Fine Arts Center”. Her gift of $1.2M was used to build the Merrill Black Box on the new East Ridge High School in collaboration with the South Washington County School District, and to purchase 3 adjoining Suites at 380 Rivertown Drive in Woodbury. Immediately, the operating budget increased to nearly $400,000. Additionally, the organization changed its name to honor its benefactor and began running programming for the first time.

Strategic Priorities

1. Recruit Board Members who are able to leverage relationships on behalf of the organization.
2. To increase income from all sources, including ticket sales, unearned income (individual and business donations, foundations, corporations, and government sources), tuition, and rent.
3. To raise awareness about the organization.
4. Strategic Planning

Annual Budget: $400,000 – Earned Income, Foundations, Government Grants or Contracts

Skills

Merrill Arts Center is seeking board members with skills in the following areas:

• Financial Management
• Fundraising
• Legal
• Strategic and Business Planning
• Technology

Information

• Number of members currently: 5
• Meeting time and frequency:  10 meetings annually
• Meeting location: Eastern Suburbs
• Does nonprofit carry liability insurance? Yes

Expectations

• Time Expectation: Up to 8 hours/month
• Financial Contribution Required: Yes, at a level meaningful to the board member.
• Service on Committee Required: Yes
• Length of Term: 3 Years
• Renewable: Yes

Questions about this board opportunity?

Email: boardconnector@propelnonprofits.org