Museum Consulting Services
With over 25 years experience as a Director and Founding Director of museums located both in the United States and Europe, Dr. Michael DeMarsche is uniquely qualified to tackle a range of issues that museums face in today’s challenging environment. He can help your museum to accomplish the following:
Strategic Planning
Development/Fundraising
Identify, cultivate and solicit patrons for major gifts
Develop strategies for approaching a donor and making a successful request for a major gift
Understand the importance of special events such as exhibition openings and annual galas
Gain familiarity with tax laws that must be communicated to prospective donors
Establish or augment management systems to track and cultivate major gifts, insuring that private donors continue to support your museum well into the future
Write and design effective publications including Case Statements that introduce major projects and initiatives to your donors
Establish or improve your membership program—an essential tool for identifying major donors
Understand the power of matching and challenge gifts
Recruit and hire effective development professionals
Acquire a vision for your institution’s programs and exhibitions centered on your “core” mission.
Create excitement for your future and attract private sponsorships to your operations
Communicate effectively your organization’s vision and strategic plan for the future
Perform a feasibility study that answers important questions surrounding your vision
Develop the values within your board that will direct your institution into the future
Governance
Organize a recruitment plan that can attract members to your Board of Directors
Recruit individuals to your board that are skilled at museum governance and are personally committed to attaining your museum’s vision
Develop a clear understanding within your board of its role and fiduciary responsibilities
Build consensus within your Board of Directors for any major project your museum might undertake
Review and update the bylaws of your museum, providing a comprehensive set of guidelines that can direct all areas of your museum
Staff Development
Train the museum staff to become the “face” and “character” of your museum
Understand the critical importance of “hello and welcome”
Discover the mission of the three “E’’s” and the importance of their success
Set your staff up for success with every visitor
Discover how visitors experience your museum
Identify the strengths of your museum personal
The Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Art, Auburn University
The Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center
The Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center
The Cafesjian Center for the Arts, Yerevan, Armenia