1854 Gallery Hall Business Plan Summary

Overview: 1854 Gallery Hall, located at 112 SE 8th Ave, Topeka, KS, is a culturally driven art venue under the 1854 Development Group (LLC). It aims to showcase Kansas-based visual and performing artists through exhibitions, events, and educational programming, fostering community engagement in downtown Topeka.Mission: To promote Kansas artists via a curated, community-oriented platform for exhibitions, events, and creative education.Objectives:

• Feature 100+ Kansas artists in Year 1.
• Host 24+ events annually.
• Achieve 60% private rental occupancy in Year 1.
• Break even by Month 18, reach profitability by Year 2.

NAICS Code: Primary: 712110 (Museums); Alternatives: 711510 (Independent Artists), 453920 (Art Dealers), 531120 (Nonresidential Building Lessors).SWOT Analysis:

• Strengths: Prime downtown location, strong artist network, low overhead, multipurpose space.
• Weaknesses: Limited staff, new market entrant, reliance on community buy-in.
• Opportunities: Untapped demand for mid-sized art/event venues, educational partnerships, digital exhibitions.
• Threats: Economic downturns, competing venues, seasonal demand dips.

Target Market:

• Local art enthusiasts (30–65), students/young creatives (18–30), tourists, corporate event planners.

Marketing Strategy:

• Brand: “Kansas roots, creative future.”
• Channels: Social media (Instagram, Facebook, TikTok), art community partnerships, regional event calendars, newsletters.

Revenue Streams:

• Art exhibitions (20% commission on sales).
• Event/venue rentals (private parties, workshops).
• Retail sales (artwork, merchandise).
• Ticketed workshops and community events.

Market Analysis:

• Topeka’s downtown revitalization supports demand for cultural venues.
• Limited local competition for flexible, boutique art/event spaces.
• Competitors: Mulvane Art Museum, NOTO Arts Center, Jayhawk Theatre.
• Competitive advantages: Central location, multi-use design, 1854 brand synergy, focus on Kansas talent.

Staffing (Year 1):

• Art Curator/Director (Part-Time): $22,000.
• Events Planner (Part-Time): $20,000.
• Contracted Install Crew/Event Staff: ~$8,000.
• Total Labor Cost: ~$50,000.

Startup Budget: $40,000 (Renovation: $15,000; Equipment: $5,000; Staffing/Marketing: $10,000; Legal/Insurance: $3,000; Working Capital: $7,000).Financial Projections:

• Year 1: Revenue $46,000, Expenses $58,000, NOI -$12,000.
• Year 2: Revenue $75,000, Expenses $60,000, NOI $15,000.
• Year 3: Revenue $115,000, Expenses $65,000, NOI $50,000.
• ROI: ~132.5% by Year 3; Break-even: ~Month 18.

Conclusion: 1854 Gallery Hall is a scalable, culturally significant investment opportunity, leveraging Topeka’s revitalization and the 1854 brand. With a $40,000 startup investment, it aims to become a cornerstone of Kansas’ creative landscape, achieving profitability by Year 2.