Location: Orlando, Florida
Mission: To stimulate creativity and intellectual curiosity by connecting people from all backgrounds and experiences with compelling art and new ideas.
Important Numbers:
-
- 130,000 visitors annually
- $4.2 million annual budget (2022)
- 50 staff members
- 1,000 volunteers
The Orlando Museum of Art, founded in 1924, is a cornerstone of arts and culture in Central Florida, offering special exhibits, gallery tours, lecture, and studio classes.
OMA partners with an LGBTQIA+ youth serving organization, Zebra Youth, for “Art with Purpose.” During each art workshop, youth explore a gallery and participate in art journaling activities led by a queer teaching artists. Prompts encourage youth to make connections to art, explore queer themes, and connect to their own identity. After this reflective exercise, a Licensed Mental Health Counselor facilitates a group conversation where youth are encouraged to share their art journal project. In 2024, this program was proudly sponsored by Macy’s, demonstrating a national company’s commitment to LGBTQIA+ youth and creative empowerment.
“Art With Purpose” is an incredible example of understanding the needs of a community, forging meaningful partnerships, and connecting new audience with your mission. OMA understands the important role creative expression plays for many people, making this program a perfect match for the art museum setting. Further, OMA recognizes that many queer youth may need mental health support and not have access to it, adding the critical component of a mental health practitioner to this program. Notably, this program is hosted in Florida, where the rights of LGBTQIA+ youth have been under attack.
This initiative was intentionally planned and widely publicized by OMA, demonstrating their commitment to creating safe, affirming spaces for queer youth.
Weekly “Art with Purpose” programs continue in partnership with Zebra Youth.
Further Reading
Did that example spark some ideas for your museum or organization?
Let’s connect to make those ideas a reality! Book a Discovery Call today.
