Fundraising veteran comes to RISD museum

Suzanne Fortier has been named director of museum development at the Rhode Island School of Design Museum of Art. She will be responsible for managing, conceiving and implementing the major fundraising priorities for the museum. Fortier brings to RISD more than 20 years of experience working in nonprofit fundraising and communications. She received a B.A. in public relations from Simmons College and an MPA from the School of Public Affairs at the University of Washington.

PBN: The newly created position is devoted to the Museum’s fundraising priorities – what is the top priority at the Museum as you begin your new role?
FORTIER: I recently gave a presentation to the [R.I. Board of Governors for Higher Education] about the priorities for the development department, the top being to raise capital dollars for the restoration and reinstallation of the 1926 Radeke Building, which is the core of the Museum. We’re working to raise a total of $8.6 million for the Radeke Reinstallation, along with supporting exhibitions and general operations.

PBN: How do you see the Museum evolving within the Providence community in the coming years?
FORTIER: Museum Director Hope Alswang is committed to serving a broad audience, and so you’ll see different types of exhibitions and events that will appeal to lots of different people. The programs range from family-oriented to “Music Fridays,” live music and cocktails in the museum’s main gallery, all the way to serious exhibitions of major artists, such as next year’s shows of the work of David Macaulay and Harry Callahan. With a revitalized downtown, more people living in the downtown core, and easy access from the riverfront, The RISD Museum is right in the middle of it all. I see it becoming a destination, where you’ll be able to see a film, a special exhibition, or even do some shopping.

PBN: What upcoming events are you specifically looking forward to?
FORTIER: All of us at RISD are focused on the opening of the Chace Center in September and the museum’s new front door on North Main Street. The museum will gain a new lobby, café, RISD Works Shop, storage and classrooms for prints, drawings, and photographs, as well as 6,000 square feet of exhibition space. When the Chace Center opens to the public, the first exhibition will be a spectacular installation of 22,000 pieces of blown glass by Dale Chihuly. It will be the must-see show of the year! •

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