In January, WADA reconstituted a membership committee to focus on building our community of artists.  WADA has nearly 300 members and is committed to serving the needs of our membership. In January, Board Members Caryn Nesmith and Teresa Sullivan conducted focus groups with artist and art supporter members, ArtsXchange artists and business members in order to hear what these groups valued as part of their memberships and what they wanted to see in the future. 

Artists and Arts Supporters seek:

• Exposure, via member shows and online (social media, website, etc)

• Educational opportunities – both artistic and professional development 

• Information Sharing – sharing of goings on, as well as resources for artists

• Affordable studios 

• Community  - community of artists and community outreach

ArtsXchange artists seek:

• Exposure/ Gallery Promotion

• Utilization of events space

• Some self-governance

• Self and collective promotion

• Community

Business members seek: 

• Networking

• Betterment of the District

• Drive business through discounts and exposure

• Supporting the arts

These discussions informed WADA membership goals for 2020.

1. Update Member Benefits and Automated Application and Renewal Processes

2. Quarterly General Membership Meetings or Social Mixers (To be confirmed: May 13, Sep 9, Dec 9)

3. Focus on Social Media Engagement and Website Improvements

4. Publish bimonthly newsletter

5. Establish Yearly Calendar of consistent Member Shows for all levels of artist members

6. Organize outdoor Member Marketplace for Art Walk

7. WADA Ambassadors @ Art Walk and Other Events