Montana Art Gallery Directors' Association Organizational Information

Patty Bergquist, Executive Director

MAGDA Board of Trustees:

2007-08

Steve Glueckert, President
Randy Horst, Vice President

Katie Knight, Secretary

Carol Jette, Treasurer

Cathryn Mallory, Member at Large

History

The Museum & Art Gallery Directors' Association, MAGDA, was organized in 1972 through the cooperative efforts of Montana's art center and gallery directors. The purposes for which this corporation was formed are:

to encourage, develop, and accomplish the public exhibition of a diverse range of the visual arts by originating and/or touring exhibitions.
to disseminate technical information regarding gallery and museum operations.
to provide public information and education concerning the arts.
to develop and support public interest in, and knowledge of, the cultural resources and heritage of the State of Montana.
to procure and provide financial support for the accomplishment and continuation of these purposes.

It is the function of a volunteer Board of Trustees and the Director to carry out the mission of MAGDA, which is the only active organization of its kind in Montana and receives not only regional but national attention as a model of public service to the arts. It is unique throughout the western states and serves as a model for other states.

Goals

The goals of MAGDA are to seek out, develop and support public visual arts exhibitions, and to tour state-wide the highest quality work available. Equally important, MAGDA provides its members timely and professional development on all aspects of operating a not-for-profit art institution; develops a sense of professionalism and support via networking opportunities among the state's art administrators, staff and volunteers; and promotes the work of artists by touring their work. The ultimate beneficiaries of MAGDA's efforts are the communities served by MAGDA and the 100,000 plus people who annually discover the cultural resources and heritage of artistic expression through MAGDA-supported exhibits.

Annual Meetings

The Annual Meetings combine block-booking opportunities with professional development and training for personnel and volunteers of the state's art centers.

MAGDA members collectively share in the direct expenses of arranging and touring exhibitions, which are generated from multiple sources. Individual artists are also encouraged to submit proposals of their work for touring. Block-booking is an integral role performed by MAGDA, as it is designed to fortify the regular exhibit offerings of Montana's galleries and museums. MAGDA's subsidization makes otherwise expensive exhibits available in rural communities as well as neighboring urban centers. Professional development covers topics of relevance to member organizations, based on their indicated needs. A sampling of seminars conducted by leading professionals includes educational programming, fund raising, board/staff relationships, handling of art work, marketing, budgeting/cash flow analysis, and successful docent programs.

Funding

MAGDA is indebted to the visionary leaders of the Montana Arts Council, the State of Montana and its Cultural and Aesthetic Project Advisory Committee, and the National Endowment for the Arts for the majority of its funding. It is with the support and encouragement of organizations like these that MAGDA has been able to serve the arts for the citizens of Montana for more than two decades.

Group Health Insurance

MAGDA group health insurance (which also can include dental, vision and life insurance plans) is now available to member organizations. Please contact the MAGDA office for details.

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