The Board of Directors of Tryon Fine Arts Center recently completed the strategic planning process that was led by Jim Hackney of Alexander-Haas in Atlanta, a firm that specializes in helping arts organizations plan for the future. The Bradley Endowment Fund of the Polk County Community Foundation supplied the grant funds for the strategic plan, which was vital in determining the best “next steps” for the center for the upcoming year and for the next five years.

Tryon Fine Arts Center has already embarked on several major steps that are the results of the new strategic plan. Expanding the donor base, keeping current and future donors informed and building community ownership are some of the top priorities of the plan. Strengthening marketing and educational efforts to young adults and families and improving overall visitor experiences are vital to the center’s new focus. The plan also focuses on strengthening youth education in the arts by working with the schools and other arts organizations to develop arts programs for K-12. As a result of the plan, campus site planning is underway and TFAC is identifying immediate improvements that need to be accomplished with the existing building, while developing detailed projections for future needs.

“We are very grateful to the Bradley Fund and the Polk County Community Foundation for providing the needed funds to help us develop a professional, well thought out strategic plan that will serve as our blueprint for the next five years,” said Beth Child, executive director of TFAC.

For 42 years the Tryon Fine Arts Center has maintained an intimate 335-seat theater. Situated on a quiet, historical residential street surrounded by green spaces, the center also features two small galleries with rotating exhibits that are in constant use by Tryon Painters & Sculptors. The center strives to partner with local nonprofits and seeks to bring a variety of arts experiences to a variety of ages, helping to enhance the quality of life for the community through the power and magic of the arts.