ROADMAP 2027: Year 3 — Celebrating 60 Years and Continuing Our Journey

We’re not just celebrating 60 years of Bloomingdale in 2024-2025; we’re also launching Year 3 of our strategic plan. It’s hard to believe we’re already halfway through ROADMAP 2027 and making real progress. As we move forward, we’re focused on expanding, adapting, and growing more inclusive so that our mission and impact continue to flourish.

Reflecting on Our Progress

In Year 1, we laid a strong foundation by building capacity and infrastructure. Year 2 built on that momentum, focusing on programmatic growth and community engagement. We launched initiatives like Early Childhood Music Therapy and expanded our ensembles, including a new strings track for the Bloomingdale Training Program (BTP).

What’s Ahead in Year 3

As we honor our legacy, we’re also looking ahead. Year 3 is all about deepening our work’s impact and strengthening our community’s bonds. Here’s how:

1. Expanding Our Reach and Visibility: Our 60th anniversary is a unique opportunity to extend our outreach and connect with new communities. With targeted marketing and collaborative events, we’re engaging new audiences and partners to broaden our impact.
2. Developing Inclusive Programs: We’re continuing to expand and adapt our programs to be accessible for all ages and skill levels, making space for multi-generational participation. We value feedback from our students and families as we refine our offerings.
3. Building Capacity and Enhancing Operations: We’re investing further in our faculty and staff to support program growth. By aligning our HR policies and professional development with our diversity, equity, and inclusion goals, we’re creating an inclusive, dynamic environment where our team can thrive.
4. Modernizing Our Facilities: Our spaces are essential to our growth. We’re integrating new technologies to improve accessibility and usability, and we’re planning strategically for the next phase of our facilities.
5. Strengthening Community Connections: Building deeper relationships with alumni, students, and families is crucial for our continued growth. Through expanded outreach and engagement efforts, we’re fostering a welcoming environment where everyone feels connected to Bloomingdale’s mission.

Looking Ahead

As we celebrate 60 years, we’re excited to keep building on our legacy while bringing ROADMAP 2027 to life. With the evolving arts landscape, the journey hasn’t always been easy. But our plan is designed to be flexible and responsive, and with each step, we’re working toward our vision of reaching more people through the joy of music and expanding our community connections both inside and outside the brownstone. The progress we make this year will lay the groundwork for an even brighter future, and we’re excited to see what we achieve together.

Thank you for being part of our story. Together, we’re expanding, adapting, and growing more inclusive every step of the way.

All my best, 

Erika Atkins