The Studio Museum in Harlem is the nexus for artists of African descent locally, nationally, and internationally and for work that has been inspired and influenced by black culture. It is a site for the dynamic exchange of ideas about art and society.

Now in its 50th year, the Studio Museum is ushering in a new era of institutional growth in a building designed by Adjaye Associates with Executive Architects Cooper Robertson. The new building, which opened in late 2025, provides a home from which artists, curators and educators will generate the next 50 years of ideas and activities, including expanded internationally renowned exhibitions and its signature Artist-in-Residence program, a significantly larger collection, expanded scholarship including publications and catalytic training programs for curators and educators, and an enhanced inclusive visitor experience.

AK Cultural Planning developed a ten-year financial model and organizational growth strategy, including:

• Internal and external research with benchmarking, interviews, analysis of relevant peer institutions, and an organizational assessment;

• Staff education on best practices for welcoming the public, and revenue potential from licensing, publishing, and audience development;

• Analysis of organizational change required to meet long-term goals;

• Phase 1 financial modeling to identify required scale and phasing of growth; and

• Collaboration with senior staff to identify shared strategic priorities and departmental plans.

Phase 2 planning produced a more refined financial model that synced the final building plans, departmental growth plans, and recommendations for reorganization.