CMA Outstanding Achievement

Exhibitions

This award recognizes temporary, permanent, or traveling exhibitions that effectively and distinctively contribute to increase public understanding.

Wanuskewin Heritage Park — Renovated Interpretive Centre and expansion project

Completed in 2021, the Wanuskewin Interpretive Centre renewed its interior exhibit area as part of a $40M expansion project and designed by AldrichPears Associates. Developed through workshops with Elders the space is experienced in three different sections: Elders’ Welcome, People of the Northern Plains and Sacred Land. Designed by AldrichPears Associates, the space is experienced in three different sections: Elders’ Welcome, People of the Northern Plains and Sacred Land. These spaces reinforce the continuity of culture and traditions and to provide an experience of environmental immersion, advance a vision of what a museum that tells the stories, histories, and perspectives of the Indigenous people it represents can be, while providing a centre for cultural revitalization,revenue generation, and to the advancement of academic and Indigenous scholarship.

“The Wanuskewin team was ecstatic to receive the news as being a recipient of the CMA Award of Outstanding Achievement. Wanuskewin is very proud to not only be considered but to have won this award. This project included many years and voices, and the resulting exhibition hall is better than we could have hoped. We are excited to share this with future generations to come and continue the work with leaders within the community.”

— Shelby Redman, Project Coordinator

Museum of Vancouver — A Seat at the Table: Chinese Immigration and British Columbia

A Seat at the Table is a celebration of the vibrant and resilient culture that Chinese Canadians have upheld in this country yet understands that adversity and discrimination are fundamental to the experiences of Chinese Canadians. does not shy away from charting the history of anti-Asian and anti-Chinese racism in Canada in historic and current contexts. Connecting students, museum personnel, cultural organizations, and governments to design and populate two unique but complementary multimedia exhibitions in Vancouver, one in Chinatown, and one in the Museum of Vancouver. The multi-media exhibit allowed contributors to use their artistic talents to poetically educate the viewer that our cultures are not as different as they seem, and as generations of Chinese Canadians continue to deepen their roots in this country, their history becomes a part of Canada’s history.

“We are thrilled and honoured to have CMA recognizing the value of A Seat at the Table. The project was first and foremost a collaborative and creative project spanning more than three years and engaging diverse groups of knowledge holders, artists, historians and students in rethinking the Chinese diaspora in British Columbia as a way of rethinking British Columbia.

— Co-curators: Denise Fong, Viviane Gosselin, Henry Yu

Musée des métiers d’art du Québec (MUMAQ) — Meaningful Objects: A History of Craft in Quebec

Between 2018 and 2021, the MUMAQ, Musée des métiers d’art du Québec (formerly the Musée des maîtres et artisans du Québec) transisitoned from a local community museum to a specialized Quebec art museum, providing a unique experience in a landmark heritage site in Montreal’s Saint-Laurent borough.

The new permanent exhibition Meaningful Objects: A History of Craft in Quebec is based on a new vision for displaying fine crafts that represents a departure from the silo approach of shows based on individual materials. The exhibition is interdisciplinary, with textiles displayed alongside ceramics, furniture, blown glass, and more while invoking themes of courage, resilience and innovation.

“Our little team worked hard for the last three years to mount this project. We had to be brave and cast a critical eye on what we had, dust it off, and find a new way for the institution to present its collection. What we came up with is a major step forward in understanding the history of Quebec craft, from the past to the present. I am so proud of the whole team and our partners for their amazing work and I thank them all for their support. From now on, MUMAQ will offer a new discourse on the region’s craft history, celebrating the entire community of artists and artisans.”

— Perrette Subtil, General Director

Honourable Mention

Montreal Botanical Garden (Space for Life)— Gardens of Light: An Ode to the Moon

Gardens of Light: An Ode to the Moon takes visitors on a night journey, inspired by light of the moon, through the Montreal Botanical Garden’s Japanese Garden, First Nations Garden, and Chinese Garden. Throughout the exhibition the moon is never far, as visitors are welcomed by the gentle glow of a simulated full moon rising on the autumn leaves, revealing a vast expanse. Use of light and sound throughout the exhibit forms a unique dialogue between people and the natural world.

“On behalf of everyone who contributed to the success of Gardens of Light: An Ode to the Moon, presented at the Montreal Botanical Garden, I proudly accept the Canadian Museums Association’s Award for Outstanding Achievement. Over the years, Gardens of Light has become a must-see event in Montreal. Ever-changing, its immersive approach aims toward authentic representation of the cultures reflected in the First Nations Garden, Japanese Garden and Chinese Garden. The result is an enchanting encounter between people and the natural world, which is the very essence of our mission at Space for Life.”

— Anne Charpentier, Director

Installation view: Plastic Heart: Surface All the Way Through, September 8–November 21, 2021, Art Museum at the University of Toronto. Photo — Toni Hafkenscheid.

Honourable Mention

Art Museum at the University of Toronto — Plastic Heart: Surface All the Way Through

Plastic Heart is a challenging exploration of our relationship with — and dependency upon — plastic. Featuring a collection of contemporary and historical art pieces that detail the unrestricted nature of plastic as a material for art as well as for the general function of modern society.

Plastic Heart investigates the same questions: how did we allow this plastic crisis to happen, and how can we escape?

“We are really honoured that Plastic Heart: Surface All the Way Through is being recognized for the award. The exhibition grapples with collective concerns over the environment and our use of resources and takes a proactive approach to tackling the critical issue of plastics and sustainability in museums and in the world at large through the lens of artists.”

— Barbara Fischer, Chief Curator/ Executive Director

Honourable Mention

Canada Aviation and Space Museum (Ingenium) — Eyes on the Skies: Managing Air Traffic in Canada

Eyes on the Skies is an engaging family friendly exhibition that takes full advantage of the Canadian Aviation and Space Museum’s 2,000 square foot installation space. The exhibit explores the complex field of air traffic control, captivating viewers young and old with striking visual components whileemploying a balanced combination of historic artifacts, infographics, and interactive elements that entertain and inform effectively.

Plastic Heart investigates the same questions: how did we allow this plastic crisis to happen, and how can we escape?

“We were thrilled to learn that Eyes on the Skies received honourable mention. This family-friendly exhibition exemplifies our evolving direction, as we strive to connect Canadians with diverse stories of innovation. We were pleased to partner with NAV CANADA — shedding light on the many people who keep Canada’s skies safe.”

— Erin Poulton, Interpretive Planner