Scores and Comments

19.c.pr.170.483

Lightner Museum of Hobbies

Application Details
Proposal Type	Specific Cultural Project - Discipline-Based
Request Amount	$25,000
Total Score	657.000
Average Score	93.857

Panelist Scores

Panelist	Excellence	Impact	Management	Accessibility	Total
Baker Tiffany	38	28	19	10	95
Colvin Richard D.	35	27	18	6	86
johnson jeremy	39	29	19	10	97
Nagy Rebecca	38	30	17	10	95
Santiago Caroline	40	30	20	10	100
Tomor Michael	34	28	19	9	90
Wilson Jennifer	38	28	19	9	94

Comments
Baker Tiffany - Score: 95.000
Narrow and achievable project scope that clearly defines problems and identifies concrete solutions with appropriate staff members to do the work. Two-fold impetus of new donation along with tour operator commentary is demonstrated. Participation in Connecting to Collections indicates that outside experts have evaluated and discussed the preservation needs with Lightner staff so concerns are vetted. Marketing plans and impact are outlined very clearly.
Colvin Richard D. - Score: 86.000
{No comments provided.}
johnson jeremy - Score: 97.000
{No comments provided.}
Nagy Rebecca - Score: 95.000
This is a very strong proposal, well thought through and described in convincing detail on all counts. With regard to fiscal stability and sustainability, the earned income of the museum is noteworthy. However, the endowment is tiny so the ambitious goal to vastly increase it is important for long-term stability. Similarly, the museum is just launching a membership program, which will also contribute to sustainability in the long term.
Santiago Caroline - Score: 100.000
Well done.
Tomor Michael - Score: 90.000
Lightner Museum's mission is to preserve, maintain, research, and interpret its collections of nineteenth century art, decorative art, and material culture for the educational benefit of the public. They primarily showcase small 3D objects. Attachments demonstrate their current challenges in inadequate exhibition staging, furniture, vitrines, and access (narrow corridors and congested displays without adequate didactic and signage. Crowded displays and open access to collections not stored beneath vitrines, but staged two and three objects deep. They just accepted a large gift of cut glass for the permanent collection and now need to address the entire exhibition program challenges already in existence. They are looking for a matching grant for display and redesign. The proposal is well done - but keeping this from an Excellent Score is the absence of an outside consultant to advise them on this display challenge. It appears their collecting habits and display habits will require a reevaluation of meeting best practices in the field. There is a concern about carrying out this project with the desired outcomes to meet the standards of the profession. There is no doubt something needs to be done to address all areas of access and display. The impact could be outstanding for a pleasurable visit. Their numbers are already significant for such a small facility with limited resources (human and fiscal). Fiscal management is related to those numbers with a pleasantly surprising admission income representing over 50% of its operating revenue. Is it possible for them to reach their increase of 25% ? There is a projected revenue jump - $300K more in admissions; $140 more in contracted services; $70K in revenue other; increase of $80 in local government support for the next fiscal year and state government of $40K There is a question about an increase of $100K in Outside fees and services and then again an addition $100K in the next fiscal year, with an overall jump of $600K over two fiscal years. Unless missed, the budget summary isn't helpful in understanding this. Both in the narrative and pictures of the attachments, it is clear to this reviewer there are struggles with ADA, some of which will may be addressed with the grant and some of which is being addressed this calendar year (restrooms on the first floor). .
Wilson Jennifer - Score: 94.000
A well written proposal and excellent plan of action. The organization appears to be well-managed and to execute meaningful cultural and educational activities.