Fisk University and the Stieglitz

Gail Kerr writing for the Tennessean on Fisk University and the Stieglitz collection states the collection in now open for public viewing. The exhibition area has been updated, and according to Kerr the collection is fantastic, and perhaps most importantly, people are starting to come to the university to view the collection. Kerr believes there are opportunities for Fisk to benefit financially from the collection if it is marketed properly and grants are sought. If you recall, Fisk was having many financial issues and was looking to sell portions or fractional interest in parts of the collection. Mainly to the Walton museum, Crystal Bridges in Bentonville, Arkansas.

Kerr states The collection contains 101 works from artists including O'Keeffe, Pablo Picasso and Auguste Renoir. It ranges from African-American art from the Democratic Republic of Congo to line drawing sketches to beautiful, breathtaking paintings like O'Keeffe's Radiator Building — Night, New York (see image).

Kerr continues Today, Fisk has an unprecedented opportunity to turn that around and make this an asset. If it can attract 200 visitors a day, at $10 a head, that's half a million in revenue over the course of a year.

It doesn't have to cost money: use free social media. Send out press releases. Ask the city's Convention and Visitors Bureau to help promote it as a tourist attraction (the Frist center has an upcoming Georgia O'Keeffe show — surely tying together some marketing and programming would be a cinch).

Do what TPAC does so well: Apply for foundation grants to assure free admission for students of all ages.

To read the full article, click HERE.