Question 1

The Fine Art Museum of Sedona will awaken the imagination and create educational pathways to promote the understanding and appreciation of art. It enlightens our community to thought-provoking international fine art and selected works from Sedona and Verde Valley artists while providing education through docent-led museum tours, hands-on workshops and children’s programs.

Located in the heart of Sedona and the Verde Valley, the Fine Art Museum of Sedona will be easily accessible to residents, surrounding communities, and tourists. The presence of a fine art museum greatly benefits our community, from students and teachers, to young families and seniors, across socio-economic backgrounds.

Since our initial discussions to establish a fine art museum began in 2012, the Fine Art Museum of Sedona has been dedicated to strengthening community engagement, and is committed to cultivating a museum experience that can provide a cultural anchor for all who visit.

Question 2

Our Board of Trustees has initiated a multi-phase development plan to bring the Fine Art Museum of Sedona to Sedona and the Verde Valley:

Phase 1 included a Campaign Feasibility Study which confirmed the community would support an art museum in Sedona.

Phase 2 began with the retention of Lord Cultural Resources, the largest and most respected museum planning firm in the world.

This phase also includes a campaign to raise initial funds for due diligence costs associated with land development, consultant/legal fees and continued operational costs.

Upon completion of Phase 2, the timing of the next phase will be made available. To stay informed on the development of the museum, please sign up for our email newsletter 

Question 3

The Fine Art Museum Of Sedona is a public, not for profit charitable corporation with federal tax-exempt status under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.

Funds for construction will come from a capital campaign.

Financial sustainability will be continued with revenue from admissions, gift shop, events, special exhibitions, private and corporate donations and memberships and endowments.

Question 4

The buildings and grounds of the museum are expansive and will be created to provide a unique experience with every visit. Generous space will be provided for temporary exhibits that will be displayed on a rotating basis for adult and childhood education. The dedicated exhibit space will feature the permanent collection, which displays notable fine art from the Sedona/Verde Valley area. Outside, the experience continues with walking paths through the tranquil sculpture garden, labyrinth and water features.

Question 5

The Fine Art Museum Of Sedona is very conscientious of maintaining traffic flow and adequate parking.  Additionally, this central location will allow for walking to neighboring tourist areas which reduces traffic. Finally, the plan includes a transit drop off point convenient to the museum for shuttles, buses and carpools.

Question 6

The Fine Art Museum of Sedona will be a modern facility that demonstrates leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) standards that will result in long-term efficiency and energy savings for the museum. It will be a significant structure, harmonious with the views of the surrounding red rocks, and will include state-of-the-art technology.

Question 7

The Fine Art Museum of Sedona will foster continued cultural collaboration among museums, schools, the community, artists, and art groups. Input on exhibitions and programs will be sought from a broad and diverse array of constituent groups.

The Museum will complement the existing arts and culture organizations such as Sedona Arts Center, Sedona Historical Museum, Verde Valley Archaeological Museum and others. The area will be enhanced by the addition and cooperation of a fine arts museum.

The Fine Art Museum of Sedona is a member of the American Alliance of Museums, the Museum Association of Arizona, and the Sedona Culture Collaborative, which seeks to stimulate joint creative efforts that are mutually beneficial.

Question 8

The works of selected artists who have lived and worked in Sedona and the Verde Valley will be a major component of the Museum. In addition, there will be exhibits that frequently change and encompass a variety of types of art that will provide a lasting and unforgettable visitor experience.

Question 9

An art submission policy is in development and will be made available upon completion. To stay informed on updates to the museum, please sign up for our email newsletter 

Question 10

Employment opportunities will be posted on our website when available. To stay informed on updates to the museum, please sign up for our email newsletter 

Question 11

Museum docent and volunteer opportunities will be available and featured on our website. To stay informed on updates to the museum, please sign up for our email newsletter 

Question 12

The museum will offer memberships for individuals, families, students and organizations. Membership opportunities will be published on our website once they are finalized. To stay informed on updates to the museum, please sign up for our email newsletter 

Question 13

Sponsorships of events and exhibitions are available. Please refer to our website for more information

Question 14

The American Alliance of Museums states that there are 850 million visits to American museums each year, more than the attendance for all major league sporting events and theme parks combined. The Sedona Chamber of Commerce reports that approximately 40% of visitors to Sedona visit art galleries, while the nearest fine art museum is more than an hour away.

Additionally, cultural tourists stay longer and spend 36% more money at their destinations than other kinds of tourists. Cultural tourism is a trending travel segment comprised of more than 118 million travelers annually. A growing number of visitors rank arts, heritage and/or other cultural activities as one of the top five reasons for traveling. Cultural tourists generally spend twice as much money as local residents at arts and cultural events. (Source: Arizona Commission on the Arts)

Other economic benefits include the employment opportunities at the museum and surrounding structures available for Sedona and Verde Valley residents.

Question 15

The presence of a fine arts museum will benefit all of the community, from students and teachers, to young families and seniors, across socio-economic backgrounds. It exposes our community to thought-provoking international art while providing education through docent-led museum tours, hands-on workshops and children’s programs.

For students, the museum can supplement their current education. As a November 24, 2013 New York Times article stated, “Art Makes You Smart”. Students engaged in the arts perform better academically. Students who receive arts education have stronger social skills and improved motivation to learn. Studies have shown that arts education programs help reduce dropout rates and increase academic outcomes for disadvantaged children.

A recent Arizona Commission on the Arts publication states that an appreciation and understanding of art develops creative skills, communication skills, and improves problem-solving skills in children. At a time when 50% of Arizona schools have no budget for curricular support of arts education, and 79% of schools with an arts budget spend less than $1 per student per year, it is clear that there is a need to provide art education to our children outside the public-school system. (Arizona Commission on the Arts)

Question 16

The museum is developing a collection policy which will be available on our website upon completion. To stay informed on updates to the museum, please sign up for our email newsletter 

Question 17

Once the museum opens, a policy will be implemented regarding the rental of museum space and grounds for events, film and photo shoots, receptions and more.

Question 18

The Fine Art Museum Of Sedona is a public, not for profit charitable corporation with Federal tax-exempt status under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code so all contributions are tax deductible.

Donors who are “There from the Start” will be immortalized by the Fine Art Museum Of Sedona with exclusive naming opportunities within the outside sculpture garden and event area, exhibition galleries, meeting space, café, and more. These are wonderful ways to honor a loved one or pay tribute to a family member or friend in a way that will be appreciated for generations to come.

A very special donor area will be located in the entrance area to the museum. Planned giving and endowments are another way to assist the museum. The benefits of planned gifts may include: an increase in your charitable giving, provide income tax savings through your charitable deduction, avoid capital gains tax, and reduce the cost and time of estate settlement. Donations will fund building the museum, endowments and planned giving will contribute to its sustainability.