Dear MNA Friends,
Over the past few years, we have focused on building a strong and resilient organization. Our new staff structure improves communication and cross-team working, allowing us to move forward with enthusiasm and confidence. Our strategic plan has been a north star, focusing efforts on both outward facing initiatives and on internal improvements such as robust financial planning and a staff team that is fully focused on MNA’s mission and vision: MNA is a gateway to understanding the Colorado Plateau, engaging local, regional, and global audiences with life-enriching knowledge and experiences. We illuminate the connections between people, place, and time through science, art, and culture.
We now have the foundation in place to go for growth at MNA. Our first ambition is to significantly increase visitors to the Museum. MNA is a jewel in the crown of the Southwest with engaging galleries, thought-provoking exhibitions, expansive collections, a beautiful campus, knowledgeable staff, and inspiring opportunities for people of all ages. With all these resources, MNA is a place for learning and enrichment for everyone from our youngest visitors to advanced academic researchers.
Easton Collection Center Open House 2023
Planning is essential to achieving meaningful and sustainable growth. We will soon be completing plans for marketing and lifelong learning, made possible through the creation of new positions – an Education Manager and a Marketing Specialist. These plans, combined with a forthcoming public programs plan, will steer our overall work in engaging and increasing audiences.
In 2024, new initiatives are underway to make the museum a more family friendly destination; to adapt to the changing interests of seasoned adults; and to ensure our programs for schools and summer camps are high quality and up to date. We have made much-needed repairs to MNA’s website and have focused on creating strong communication about MNA through email and social media, as well as increasing our media profile.
Our exciting new exhibition schedule supports these plans, and is supported by them, creating a positive loop to build our attendance, so that more people can benefit from the wonderful experience of engaging with MNA.
It is because of you that we can share these life-enriching experiences, and help more people come to appreciate this special part of the world that is the Colorado Plateau. With your continued support, we can plan for growth and excitement with confidence. Thank you!
Sincerely,
Mary Kershaw
Executive Director & CEO
2023 Highlights
Our Exhibitions
In 2023, the Museum of Northern Arizona made significant strides in advancing its mission to celebrate and preserve the art, culture, and natural history of the Colorado Plateau. We debuted three new exhibitions and launched a public art initiative.
The 2023 exhibits showcased a range of perspectives and creative expression. Watercolour Diaries from the Green River invited visitors to explore vivid landscapes through the eyes of British traveling artist Tony Foster. Seeing People Through Trees offered a thought-provoking lens on the relationships between people and forests. And Designed to Move: Seeds That Float, Fly or Hitchhike introduced viewers to surprising, up-close views of the beauty and diversity of desert seeds through the photography of Taylor James.
Extending beyond the museum walls, MNA partnered with Mountain Line for Poetry and Art on the Move. This public art initiative brought original poetry and the MNA artworks that inspired them to Flagstaff buses, weaving art into the fabric of daily life and making creativity more accessible to the community.
Lifelong Learning
The Museum of Northern Arizona serves as a vibrant hub for learning and enrichment, offering opportunities for people of all ages and backgrounds—from curious students to dedicated academic researchers.
In 2023, MNA’s education programs for young students continued to grow and thrive. The museum welcomed 70 school visits, providing engaging, hands-on learning experiences that connected students with the natural sciences, arts, and cultures of the Colorado Plateau. To ensure access, MNA allocated $15,000 in subsidies to support school tours. Additionally, our popular Discovery Camps drew 180 children over the summer, immersing them in creative exploration of art, culture, and science through interactive activities.
MNA also played a vital role in advancing academic research. Over the course of the year, more than 140 researchers accessed MNA’s extensive collections, leveraging our unique resources to support scholarly studies across a range of disciplines. These collaborations highlight MNA’s position as a key resource for research and discovery, fostering new insights into the artistic, natural, and cultural history of the Colorado Plateau.
Heritage Programs
Fostering cultural preservation, education, and community has been a hallmark of MNA since its establishment.
The museum welcomed 100 artists from 12 tribes across the Colorado Plateau to its annual Heritage Festival of Arts and Culture in 2023. This vibrant celebration drew more than 1,400 visitors who had the unique opportunity to buy directly from the artists, learn about Indigenous heritage and values, and experience the rich sights, sounds, and traditions of the region.
MNA again hosted Celebraciones de la Gente in partnership with Flagstaff Nuestras Raíces, a community organization promoting Hispanic culture and history. This two-day festival honored the spirit of Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) and welcomed hundreds of guests, immersing them in Latino music, dance, food, and cultural traditions.