The generous bequest left by William S. Fairfield was instrumental in purchasing and renovating the center, establishing the permanent collection and seeing the organization through it's first five years.  Now, it is time for the organization to look to the future and establish a revenue structure that will allow it to keep its doors open and to realize the potential of the center.   

It was always a large part of Fairfield's vision to establish an organization that would not only provide something of value to the Door County Community (and by extension its visitors), but that the Door County community would be active in its support and its development.  Since its founding in 1998, a variety of individuals, organizations and businesses have supported the Fairfield with their attendance, volunteer hours, sponsorship of exhibits, in-kind donations, membership and monetary donations.   

Like all not-for-profit organizations, the Fairfield's budget reflects a balance between the need to support its activities and the need to make its activities accessible to as broad a segment of the community as possible.  The Fairfield's Board of Directors has developed a strategic plan that includes a mix of earned revenue-generating activities including admission, rent income; and donated income sources including memberships, sponsorships and monetary donations.  

Operating a museum with high standards and an ambitious mission is costly.  In order to meet the promise of the Fairfield's mandate to adhere to the principles of a recognized institution, community support is needed now and in the future.  But supporting the Fairfield returns much more to the donor.  A financial gift to the Fairfield is an investment in the future of our community.  In this time of economic uncertainty, it makes sense to support activities and organizations that have the possibility of being part of the solution for attracting future visitors, retaining residents, and bringing national and international attention to Door County.

The mission of the Fairfield Art Center is to create exhibitions and programs that enhance the understanding and enjoyment of modern and contemporary art in our community, and to support established and emerging artists in Door County and throughout the State of Wisconsin with an opportunity to show their work in a professional environment.