Milestones
May - June 2013 The Ocala Municipal Arts Commission executes a visual artist survey to determine how the City of Ocala and the community at large could better serve artists and art organizations in Ocala/Marion County, FL and better sustain their creative process. Results showed that artists are in need of professional support and that they are seeking:
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June 2013
OMAC representatives and a core group of community stakeholders traveled to New Smyrna, FL and visited Hub on the Canal and Atlantic Center for the Arts' Main Campus and Community Residence House to research facilities that support the professional development of artists. The team recommends exploring the feasibility of repurposing Ocala Union Station to house a similar facility and that a new organization should be formed to manage the endeavor due to the significant project scope.
January - March 2014
The City of Ocala recruits a team of stakeholders to serve on what would become the Magnolia Art Xchange Steering Committee.
April 2014
Initiation of research and business plan development.
April 26, 2015
Presentation of the Magnolia Art Xchange Business Plan to City Council occurs. Council provides City Staff with approval to move the project forward.
July 8, 2015
Formation of the Magnolia Art Xchange, Inc. a registered, Florida Not For Profit Organization.
July 9, 2015
The Magnolia Art Xchange, Inc. applies for 501c3 tax exemption status from the Internal Revenue Service.
July 20, 2015
The First Organizational and Board of Directors Meeting for the Magnolia Art Xchange occurs.
September 3, 2015
The Magnolia Art Xchange, Inc. and the City of Ocala enter into an agreement to establish an art incubator at Ocala Union Station.
January 8, 2016
The Magnolia Art Xchange, Inc. receives their 501c3 tax status determination letter from the Internal Revenue Service.
April 18, 2016
The Magnolia Art Xchange, Inc. adopts the 2016-17 Strategic Fundraising Plan.
October 6, 2016
The Magnolia Art Xchange Advisory Council was formed and held their first meeting. The council aids the MAX Board of Directors in obtaining goals outlined in the MAX Business Plan by sharing knowledge, providing advice, and facilitating conversations with potential project partners, patrons, and artists.
October 15, 2016
The Magnolia Art Xchange hosts the 2nd annual MAX Paint Out at the new Tuscawilla Art Park in conjunction with the celebration of Tuscawilla Park's Centennial Birthday.
November 17, 2016
The 1st annual Art Heist Fundraiser is held. Stealthy guests walk away with original art by local artists. Over $4,000 is raised to benefit MAX.
March 2, 2017
The Magnolia Art Xchange and Fine Arts For Ocala enter into a partnership to further the professional development of artists, promoting the appreciation of fine arts, and enhancing art education within our community. As part of the agreement FAFO generously provides a matching gift up to $65,000 for 2017 capital campaign contributions.
March 31, 2017
The Magnolia Art Xchange hosts Blooming with MAX floral show executed by the Pioneer Garden Club. Floral arrangements were inspired by master artists: Calder, Dali, Mondrain, Monet, Rodin, and Warhol. The event provided insight as to how the unqiue facility will benfit community organizations through its future rental program.
May 11, 2017
In partnership with the City of Ocala, the Magnolia Art Xchange executes the 2nd annual Student and Emerging Artist Competition. Artists and patron participation exceeds expectation with standing room only at the opening reception at City Hall. Community connections are expanded and program sponsors include the Appleton Museum of Art, College of Central Florida, Marion Cultural Alliance, and Ocala Art and Frame.
May 15, 2017
The Magnolia Art Xchange receives an anonymous donation of $15,000. This donation brings the funding commitment total to nearly 3/4 of the total project.
July 11, 2017
The Magnolia Art Xchange receives notification of a $10,000 grant award from the Clay Electric Foundation, Inc.'s Operation Round Up program to support the development of the Artist Lounge.
September 22, 2017
The Rotary Clubs of Marion County join together to provide a $15,000 funding commitment for the development of Salon C.
September 28, 2017
The Magnolia Art Xchange is awarded a $3,500 grant from the Marion Cultural Alliance to support the development of the Artist in Residency program.