Mystic Arts Center is changing its name to the Mystic Museum of Art (MMA).

Executive Director George King said, "The museum designation underscores, above all, our wish to be committed to community and place. We will be introducing and assimilating into the existing program, exhibitions that have scholarly content focusing on diverse subjects, both historical and contemporary with national and international merit, that will require exhibiting our collection, while borrowing works from other private and public lenders."　

The 102-year-old organization "intends to operate all of its affairs according to the established professional standards of the industry," according to a news release.

The name change will happen Jan. 2 and will be part of a rebranding effort.

The shift was approved in a unanimous vote by the board of directors.

The decision follows on the heels of the center conducting a three-year strategic plan, which was done with the help of consultants funded by a Connecticut Humanities grant.

Surveys and focus groups were part of the process.

The museum plans to enhance its publications program, with catalogues accompanying the new exhibition program.

It also aims to assess, determine the long-term use of and develop a conservation plan for its permanent collection.