THE AGILE MUSEUM: Shortening Strategic Planning Cycles

Written By Robert "Sully" Sullivan

In today's fast-changing environment, traditional five-year strategic plans are quickly becoming obsolete. Donor funds are scarce, public funding is uncertain, and technological disruptions, like AI, are reshaping our world. Consumer tastes shift rapidly, and museums now compete with digital entertainment for attention. Economic volatility adds another layer of unpredictability.

To navigate these challenges effectively, it's time to shorten the museum's planning cycles to 18 months! Annual deficits and stiff competition from streaming services and immersion experiences make it clear: we need more agile strategies.

Shorter, 12–18-month objectives will ensure your museum remains relevant, adaptable, and focused. These clear, actionable objectives and outcomes will inspire and motivate your staff and Board, demonstrating to donors that your museum is both practical and forward-thinking. An 18-month renewable cycle keeps your strategic plan fresh and responsive, ensuring it's a tool for action, not just a document gathering dust.

At Chora, we're ready to help you craft objectives that drive results and keep your museum ahead of the curve. Let's work together to create a nimble strategy that meets the demands of today’s dynamic environment.

Call us today for a free consultation!

Robert "Sully" Sullivan

Sully brings over 50 years of expertise in nonprofit management, museum programming, and fundraising. For the past 18 years, he has led Chora’s strategic planning practice. His career includes serving as Associate Director at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of Natural History, where he oversaw all aspects of exhibitions and public programs, renovating over 100,000 square feet of permanent galleries and raising over $750 million from private and public sources to do so. Sully also directed the New York State Museum and the Rochester Museum and Science Center prior to his Smithsonian tenure. He holds a graduate degree in nonprofit management from the University of Rochester and is a recognized authority in the museum management field.

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