Case Study 1

Vizcaya Museum & Gardens

Miami, Florida

Client Background

Vizcaya Museum & Gardens, an AAM-accredited Miami-Dade County cultural institution, is a National Historic Landmark site with a European-inspired main house, collections spanning nearly 2,000 years, lush formal gardens, and a village of 11 historic service buildings. Work is underway to integrate and make full use of the 50-acre campus and to enhance learning and visitor services opportunities.

Description of Process/Project

Anderson’s prior experience developing Vizcaya Museum & Gardens' first strategic plan provided valuable insight for undertaking subsequent projects.  This particular project focused on clarifying the future roles and action plans for The Vizcayans and The Guides, the two separate 501 (c)(3) support groups for Vizcaya, in anticipation of making full use of the campus operation and increasing the annual operating budget. The Vizcayans are a fundraising arm of Vizcaya, and The Guides provide tours and educational services to visitors year round.

The process was designed to include the diverse players in the current leadership structure. Interviews in advance of launching the project helped identify pressing issues and areas for discussion and work. A series of workshops took place with mixed stakeholders to flesh out specific issues and strategies outlined in the short-term action plans for each support group.

Outcome

Two short-term action plans – one for the Vizcayans and the other for the Guides – that outline key steps to guide their respective efforts in the coming 18 months.

Timetable       

Nine months including interviewing, on site workshops, the development of drafts and time in between sessions for the support groups to continue their work