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 The
Center for the Study of Art, Architecture, History & Nature
(C-SAAHN)
Sponsored the following presentation:
Downtown Library 2009 - 2010 Noon Hour Lecture Series
"Imagining Buffalo Niagara in the 21st Century"
Summary by Dennis Galucki
Ted Pietrzak came to Buffalo in 1998 from Canada and was immediately confronted with
a $1 million donation to help create new museum space. Ten years later that idea
and dream became a reality. Mr. Pietrzak recounted what he felt were the the necessary
components of the
Burchfield-Penney Art Center (BPAC) successful strategy in his presentation, "The
Little Engine that Could."
First, define goals.
For the BPAC, it was to advance Buffalo State college and enhance the city of Buffalo
by creating a space that would effect people
through the experience of both art and museum space.
Second, develop a process to accomplish the goals.
BPAC developed a four stage process:
a. hire the right architect for the project to help explore design possibilities.
b. develop a visioning process around imagining a great space to experience art.
c. visit several other museums to see what works and does not work.
d. engage a large focus group, about 250, to discuss the necessary functions of a
museum building.
Third, assume change will happen.
For example, 9/11 forced changes as well as the interaction with NY State's Historic
Preservation Office (SHPO)
In short, being flexible is a necessary component for success.
The results of this process was an award winning new museum accomplishing the goals
of fostering successful art exhibits and creating memorable experiences for patrons.
This has led to record attendance and a significant increase in membership support
and overall community pride in a job well done.
Please also note the Buffalo Rising website about the Center
and the March speakers
and The Buffalo News video
and story.
and audio
version of the talk
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