Museum of Contemporary Art of Georgia (MOCA GA) Market Research Report

Background

Overview

The Museum of Contemporary Art of Georgia (MOCA GA) is a non-profit institution dedicated to collecting and archiving significant contemporary works by Georgia artists. Established in 2000 by artist Annette Cone-Skelton and real estate developer David S. Golden, the museum aims to fill a historical gap in Atlanta's art scene by providing a dedicated space for contemporary Georgia art.

Mission and Vision

MOCA GA's mission is to collect and archive significant contemporary works by Georgia artists, placing them in a global context through exhibitions that include both Georgia artists and artists from around the world. The museum's vision is to serve as a platform for active interchange between artists and the community, promoting the visual arts and preserving Georgia's artistic heritage.

Primary Area of Focus

The museum focuses on contemporary art created by artists who were either born in Georgia or have made the state their home. Its collection spans from the mid-20th century to the present, encompassing a variety of media, including paintings, prints, sculpture, photography, and installation pieces.

Industry Significance

MOCA GA plays a pivotal role in Atlanta's cultural landscape by providing a dedicated space for contemporary Georgia artists to showcase their work. It serves as a vital resource for preserving and promoting the state's artistic heritage, contributing to the broader discourse on contemporary art.

Key Strategic Focus

Core Objectives

Artist Support: Provide emerging and mid-career Georgia artists with opportunities for exhibition, mentorship, and professional development.

Community Engagement: Foster a vibrant community around contemporary art by creating forums for active exchange between artists and the public.

Collection Expansion: Continuously grow and diversify the museum's permanent collection to reflect the evolving landscape of Georgia's contemporary art scene.

Specific Areas of Specialization

Contemporary Art: Focus on works created by Georgia artists from the mid-20th century to the present.

Diverse Media: Embrace a wide range of artistic expressions, including paintings, prints, sculpture, photography, and installation art.

Key Technologies Utilized

Digital Archives: Implement digital platforms to document and archive the museum's collection, making it accessible to a global audience.

Interactive Exhibitions: Utilize multimedia technologies to enhance visitor engagement and provide immersive experiences.

Primary Markets or Conditions Targeted

Local Community: Engage residents of Atlanta and the broader Georgia area through exhibitions, educational programs, and community events.

Art Collectors and Scholars: Attract individuals interested in contemporary art and research, offering resources and exhibitions that highlight Georgia's artistic contributions.

Financials and Funding

Funding History

MOCA GA is a non-profit organization that relies on a combination of funding sources, including government grants, private donations, membership fees, and revenue from exhibitions and events. The museum has experienced growth in its funding base, allowing for the expansion of its collection and programming.

Total Funds Raised

While specific figures are not publicly disclosed, the museum has secured significant funding through various channels, including substantial donations from individuals and foundations. Notably, in April 2023, the Lettie Pate Evans Foundation awarded MOCA GA $2,000,000 to support the construction of its new facility.

Recent Funding Rounds

April 2023: Received a $2,000,000 grant from the Lettie Pate Evans Foundation.

July 2024: The City of Atlanta announced a generous contribution of $2,000,000 to the campaign.

Notable Investors

Key supporters include the Lettie Pate Evans Foundation, the City of Atlanta, and individual donors such as Carol and Ramon Tomé, Susan and Ron Antinori, and Lucinda Bunnen.

Intended Utilization of Capital

The funds are primarily allocated for the construction of MOCA GA's new 26,306 square foot facility at the Goat Farm Arts Center in Atlanta's West Midtown neighborhood. The new building will feature expanded gallery space, a research library, and a public archive, enhancing the museum's capacity to serve artists and the community.

Pipeline Development

Key Pipeline Candidates

As a museum, MOCA GA does not develop products or services in the traditional sense. Instead, it focuses on curating and presenting exhibitions that highlight the work of contemporary Georgia artists.

Stages of Development

Exhibition Planning: Curating exhibitions that showcase both emerging and established Georgia artists.

Collection Expansion: Acquiring new works to diversify and enrich the museum's permanent collection.

Target Conditions

The museum's exhibitions and collections aim to reflect the diverse and evolving landscape of contemporary art in Georgia, encompassing various themes, styles, and media.

Relevant Timelines for Anticipated Milestones

2025: Celebrated 25 years of supporting Georgia artists.

2026: Scheduled opening of the new museum facility at the Goat Farm Arts Center.

Technological Platform and Innovation

Proprietary Technologies

MOCA GA utilizes digital platforms to document and archive its collection, making it accessible to a global audience. The museum's website is optimized for mobile devices, providing a seamless user experience across all platforms.

Significant Scientific Methods

The museum employs digital archiving techniques to preserve and catalog artworks, ensuring their longevity and accessibility. Interactive exhibition technologies are used to enhance visitor engagement and provide immersive experiences.

Leadership Team

Annette Cone-Skelton

Position: President, CEO, and Director of MOCA GA.

Professional Background: An artist and art consultant, Cone-Skelton studied at the Atlanta School of Art. She has been instrumental in curating corporate art collections and co-founded MOCA GA in 2000.

David S. Golden

Position: Co-founder of MOCA GA.

Professional Background: President of CGR Advisors, a real estate advisory company in Atlanta. He collaborated with Cone-Skelton to establish the museum and has been a key supporter in its development.

Competitor Profile

Market Insights and Dynamics

The contemporary art market in Georgia is projected to show an upward trend over the next five years. Currently, it represents 15% of the local art market, but projections indicate it will surpass civil war works to become the second most profitable sector in 2015.

Competitor Analysis

High Museum of Art: Located in Atlanta, it is one of the leading art museums in the Southeast, offering a diverse collection that includes contemporary art.

Atlanta Contemporary Art Center: A non-profit visual arts organization dedicated to the creation, presentation, and advancement of contemporary art by emerging and established artists.

Georgia Museum of Art: Associated with the University of Georgia, it serves as the state's official art museum, housing a vast collection of American art.

Strategic Collaborations and Partnerships

MOCA GA collaborates with various organizations and donors to support its mission, including the Lettie Pate Evans Foundation and the City of Atlanta. These partnerships have been instrumental in funding the construction of the new museum facility.

Operational Insights

MOCA GA differentiates itself by focusing exclusively on contemporary Georgia artists, providing a dedicated space for their work. This specialization allows the museum to build a unique collection and foster a strong community connection.

Strategic Opportunities and Future Directions

The upcoming opening of the new museum facility at the Goat Farm Arts Center presents an opportunity for MOCA GA to expand its reach and impact. The new space will allow for larger exhibitions, a more extensive collection, and enhanced community engagement.