1. Institute Showcase

External Environment

The economy is stable and subtly stratified.The work environment is steady and stratified into 25% information and management workers, and 70% in service and some manufacturing. Income difference between these groups is significant.

Downtown development in both residential and commercial areas progress. Development spreading out from the Arena finally reaches Sheldon. Country retreats and the nostalgia of small towns are popular escapes.

New Technology blossomed, then was quickly overrun by commercial interests and trash. Currently, net techies still progress the technology, but it never took off for broad community and democratic discourse.

People seek cultural experiences that reinforce and develop their interests. Meaning is found in exposure to new forms and ideas. People value their personal objects. People associate mostly with other individuals of similar economic, religious, and cultural backgrounds.

Structuring

The building serves to elevate and illuminate art. The organization of the space is formal. The idea of the place is like a museum, or a cathedral.

The borders are permanent and hard between space that is open to the public, and space that is privately used by the organization.

The dominant priorities in the design are comfort, and the isolation of spaces from the elements to highlight the power of objects and performances.

Sustaining

UICA exists on the low rung of the upper bracket of a subtly stratified economy. It maintains a position that is independent of the market through lateral suspension

The NEA budget was cut in half and grants are limited to institutions in traditional disciplines. State arts money is given in line items to it's flagship institutions. UICA is close to securing a line-item.

Funding is sought following an established logic for capital campaign and ongoing operations. A major named gift for the theater (perf, dance, music) space established an early momentum for the campaign. The open space is fully equipped to the specifications. The cost of heating the space is part of a large overhead that is fixed at a high minimum. Substantial regular gifts from Foundations, Corporations, and Individual Donors are essential to keep the building operational.

Corporate support is based on a belief by business that investing in the stabilization and illumination of culture is critical to a healthy community and market; both locally and globally.
Revenues need to be consistent from programs and limited commercial leases. They are essential parts of the organizations budget which is fixed at a high minimum overhead because of the design of the building.

Experiencing

UICA is a mold.

Programs are produced by curatorial staff with support of advisory committees in each discipline who assist in implementation. The number of discipline areas remains constant at 4.

Programs are scheduled very regularly on a year around basis. There is an exhibit opening once a month, 2-3 film showings each week, and 2 performance events each week. Publicity is focussed around a quarterly membership publication.

Staff is valued for their understanding of culture and art history and ability to curate. Also for their ability to manage finances conservatively.

Volunteer and committee participation is mostly in a support role. Many of the participants really enjoy spending their time there and helping the staff is a way to see things from the inside.

Movements

The vitality of the institutional structure depends on success in the capital campaign because it substantiates the organization by securing the permanence of the facility/structure.

A major signpost to watch out for is the organization prioritizing it's institutional survival over the mission: emphasizing the stasis of its structure over its action in community. Indicators are economic, social, and cultural exclusivity.
Within the terrain of the 4 scenario, being at this location most precludes moving to other locations. The more successful the organization is in this scenario, the more it blocks the ability to move to other scenarios. It is especially difficult to move to Art Expo from here, although there is some overlap.

The form of the building embodies commitment to material permanence of structure. The implicit challenge is staying vital within the form, and maintaining against deterioration. The form nullifies actions and ideas that are not engaged with it's structure.

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