by Beth Slater
Staff Writer
Deborah Broder has been director of development with the Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens since April 1. Prior to that she was executive director at Riverside Fine Arts Association for one year. She said she plans to be at the Cummer “indefinitely.”
Broder began her tenure with the Cummer just before the museum’s board approved the master plan in May and said that approval was a major turning point for the museum and the perfect opportunity to join the museum’s staff.
“The most important thing that’s happened is, the museum has approved the master plan, which defines renovation and expansion of the buildings,” she said. “It’s a special time in the life of the museum. We’re planning a very important renovation and expansion program that will bring new exhibition space, increase the size of the galleries and bring numerous amenities to the campus. I felt it was a special time to be a part of those exciting plans.”
Broder’s primary responsibility will be developing funding opportunities for individuals and groups.”
Broder said her time the RFAA will serve her well as the Cummer looks at various ways to fund the expansion projects.
“I will identify donors to help fund the expansion program and master plan. There will be many opportunities,” she said. “There will be underwriting opportunities and naming opportunities of galleries and buildings.
“The Cummer has available a number of opportunities for support. We try to match the donor to their interest — educational programs, art acquisitions, art exhibits, or physical plans and improvements. Sometimes donors do not have a specific interest themselves and they will support the general operating funds.”
The first noticeable change at the Cummer will be the new American art gallery.
“In November we’re going to open the new gallery, the [Thomas H.] Jacobsen Gallery of American Art. This is the first visible evidence of the new Cummer,” she said.
The Jacobsen gallery will be a 2,100 square-foot space and the inaugural exhibition will include examples of 19th and early 20th century American art from the Jacobsen Collection, according to The Cummer Magazine.
Before her professional association with the Cummer and Riverside Fine Arts, Broder worked pro bono for art organizations in the Jacksonville area. She’s been in North Florida for eight years and prior to that worked on the business side of marketing and advertising for ad agencies in Michigan.
Broder said the Cummer recruited her and she decided to return to professional non-profit work to make a difference in the community.
“I felt I wanted to make a more permanent commitment and assist with the long-term goals with an institution. I wanted to be associated with something meaningful and impactful to the community,” she said.
In addition to being a member at the Cummer for years, Broder said she’s served on the board of directors for numerous art, music and dance groups.
So far, Broder has enjoyed working with the Cummer.
“I think that it’s interesting because the entire staff is committed and dedicated to bringing quality art and programs and the staff shares the enthusiasm for future plans and all that makes for a very exciting work environment,” she said. “Not to mention, it’s a beautiful place to work.”