OCAF 3-Year Strategic Plan (FY27–FY29):
Inspire • Create • Engage

To see the full plan with Goals 1 to 5, click here.

Executive Summary

For thirty years, the Oconee Cultural Arts Foundation (OCAF) has stewarded three historic school buildings on our downtown Watkinsville campus — School Street Studios, Rocket Hall, and the 1902 Building — creating a vital cultural anchor for artists and art lovers across Oconee County and beyond.

This 3-year strategic plan builds on OCAF’s existing strengths, while transforming our campus into a more beautiful, accessible, and dynamic creative hub. Guided by our mission to support artists and art lovers through inspiring arts programming and educational opportunities, the plan emphasizes artist-focused spaces, expanded hands-on experiences, and invested community engagement. 

The plan aligns with the City of Watkinsville’s Downtown Strategic Development Plan (November 2025) while maintaining OCAF’s distinct identity. It is deliberately phased to deliver visible wins quickly while building toward a larger ~$2 million campus vision. Board members, OCAF membership, and volunteer engagement are central, designed to distribute responsibility and foster a sense of shared stewardship.

Campus Context and Vision

OCAF’s historic campus sits at the heart of Watkinsville’s downtown. Over the next three years we will refresh the buildings and grounds and reimagine their use as a flagship destination where:

  • Artists and students will have dedicated, functional education and exhibition space

  • Art lovers of all ages participate in meaningful programming and education

  • Families and visitors enjoy welcoming outdoor gathering areas

  • The entire campus becomes more accessible, vibrant, and connected to the broader community

This vision builds directly on prior successful renovations led by OCAF, draws from architectural concepts developed with Kemp Mooney Architects (2016), partnership with University of North Georgia, and aligns with the Watkinsville Downtown Strategic Development Plan (November 2025).

Success will be measured by: increases in artistic activity, visitation, class participation, earned revenue, community feedback and participant satisfaction; and relief in staff workload.

Primary Funding Opportunities 

Donations + Grant Requests

  • Grants from private foundations and public funds.

  • UNG partnerships for student-engaged areas on campus.

  • Broad engagement of OCAF members, donors, and business sponsors.

Earned Revenue Mainstays

Perspectives, Holiday Market, Gallery Shoppe, Art Sales, Summer Camps, Art Classes, Pottery Studio, Music Shows, and Rentals.

Earned Revenue Potential

Jewelry and Metal Smithing Studio, View Finders, Film Screenings, Dinner Theatre, Theatre productions, Dance Parties, Afterschool Programs, Concession Stand, and Liquor Sales (via liquor license).

3-Year Phased Timeline

FY27 – Foundation Year

Feasibility work, accessibility upgrades (mobility lift, restrooms, signage, lighting), picnic area and trailhead plaza, new programming series (performances, films, dance parties, jewelry/metalsmithing), and a City partnership.

FY28 – Activation Year

Jewelry Studio completed, Dirt Room and Hallway Gallery renovations underway, playscape planning begins, music venue and concession elements introduced, capital campaign launch.

FY29 – Momentum Year

Progress in major interior renovations, playscape construction, liquor license secured, concessions and expanded outdoor programming, sustained growth in visitation, artistic activity, and earned revenue.

Next Steps

  1. Present this plan to the OCAF Board for review and approval (August/September 2026).

  2. Schedule campus walks with Board members, key stakeholders, and potential partners.

  3. Initiate FY27 funding request implementation and feasibility study.

  4. Begin recruitment for Board subcommittees and volunteer teams.

Conclusion

By focusing on Inspire • Create • Engage, OCAF will strengthen its role as a premier arts organization in the South. This plan honors our historic buildings, supports working artists, delights art lovers of all ages, and contributes meaningfully to Watkinsville’s vibrant downtown future.

We invite the entire OCAF community — Board, members, artists, volunteers, and partners — to join us in bringing this vision to life.

To see the full plan with Goals 1 to 5, click here.