Organization/Company Questions Narrative and Mission

1. What is your organization or company? Give background history including by whom, when, and why it was founded.

The Holter Museum opened in downtown Helena, MT in 1987 as a way to experience contemporary art in central Montana.

2. What do they do or make – describe the products and services and what makes them unique.

They are a contemporary art museum in western Montana. While the Yellowstone Art Museum is it’s larger, better funded contemporary, the Holter is the only art museum in the state’s capital (which is operating in a town population of 30,000 versus Billings which is at 110,000).   According to their website, the Holter brings national and international exhibitions into the region; provides a much-needed venue for local and regional artists; and collects, preserves, and interprets significant contemporary Northwest art. They regularly offer workshops, lectures, and experiences with art that would not be immediately available to folks in this region without having to drive two or more hours away.

3. Describe the culture of the organization or company. What is the work environment like – the atmosphere? What is the building like – exterior/interior, architecture, fittings and furniture? How do the employees work together? What are the jobs and roles of individuals? How does management treat them?

The Holter recently underwent some huge staff changes during a serious financial crisis. At one point, they weren’t even sure if they would make it through 2016. (Here’s a link to an article from September 2015: click here)I know that the few dedicated employees they have their go above and beyond the standard duties of their positions and care about the well being of the museum and it’s mission. The board is relatively sound, but they’ve had a difficult time finding a leader to direct all of the dedicated staff, which is one of the contributing factors to the lack of understanding of roles, responsibilities, and follow through of the staff.

It is in a brick building in downtown Helena, with a giant red fractal looking sculpture outside they use as a landmark. The interior holds one main exhibit hall, where they showcase most of the contemporary visiting artists/artwork, one collections room, a small exhibit room, and three transitory hallways that they use as “gallery spaces.”

4. Who is the targeted audience? What are their demographics? (Age, gender, income level, where they live, own or rent, etc.)

Most of the age demographics in Helena consist of the last group of baby boomers, ranging in the 35-40 year old range, with a higher female population (as with most of the world). The average income is at $49,971 (as of 2013), which is slightly above the state average.

 

5. What is the organization or company mission statement? Tagline? (Can be the same – Nike’s is, “Just Do it!”
“The Holter Museum of Art fuels artistic creativity and imagination in Montana through exceptional contemporary art exhibitions, collections, and educational programming.”