Art museum seeks to boost fundraising with new hire

Photo provided by Springfield Art Museum

Kate Francis has more than two decades of arts administration experience.

Last edited 12:17 p.m., May 6, 2021

The Springfield Art Museum created a new position to boost fundraising efforts as the organization works its 30-year master plan.

Kate Francis brings two decades of arts administration experience to her position as museum affairs officer for development and fundraising, according to a news release. She's scheduled to start June 7 at the Springfield museum.

“I am honored to join this remarkable institution that, since its inception 95 years ago as the Art Study Club, has been a leading creative and cultural influence in Springfield, southwest Missouri and beyond," Francis said in the release. "The opportunities for the museum’s continued growth are abundant."

Francis' past experience includes roles as chief development officer for The Phoenix Symphony in Arizona; vice president for development for the Arts and Education Council of Greater St. Louis; and director of development and marketing for Jazz St. Louis.

Her appointment comes nearly two years after the art museum unveiled its 30-year master plan. The initiative calls for up to $19 million in expansion work and improvements to the 1111 E. Brookside Drive museum. The development plan includes new educational, public and community spaces, as well improvements in parking, interior circulation, grounds and greenspace.

Work is slated for completion in summer 2022 on a $2.3 million Fassnight Creek stormwater improvement project that's part of the museum's master plan, according to past reporting.

Art museum spokesperson Joshua Best said there has been $3 million in public and private investment in the master plan project to date.

The base salary for the museum affairs officer position is $63,960, he said.