Message from the President
Tracy Calogheros
From digitization to ecological crises, museums are embedded in a rapidly changing ecosystem. One thing is for certain: we need one another to adapt to these big changes, to make our future bright. A future that includes museums is a future where our government, our sector, and our communities collaborate in navigating these ecosystemic changes together. How can we increase this collaboration? This question has been pivotal to the theme, tone and content of our 2024 National Conference, The Future is Collaboration.
Recent studies show that the cultural sector contributes upwards of 1 billion kWh of energy consumption! It is imperative that museums not only work toward eliminating their carbon footprint, but to take a leading role in helping communities looking to do the same. I have watched the role of our sector deepen and grow over the last three decades, but I have also watched the steep decline of government support. For museums to adapt to a community’s needs - and those needs are changing as rapidly as our ecosystem - increased support must be provided.
After the incredible on-line Awards Ceremony this week, I was reflecting on the content of the honoured projects, exhibits, programs and people, and was struck by the shift in the focus for our industry as a whole. Change… it is a comin’. As we head into our next AGM we are relaunching much of our governance work and we are asking you to join us. Step up for committees, help us continue to work through the legacy issues that we continue to run into. The future will always have its challenges, and museums occupy a complicated space; the evolution of the sector is underway and its thanks to all of you!
In this issue of Muse, we’re thrilled to shine a spotlight on the remarkable achievements and tremendous work of museum professionals across the country who were recognized by our annual awards program. Museums are such an integral part of their communities, and these awards are a celebration of the important, yet often unnoticed, work of museums in Canada. Other highlights include takeaways from our 2024 National Conference, our first in-person conference since 2019, as well as our collaboration with Latinos Positivos and the Textile Museum of Canada in their education initiative on those with HIV positive (U=U) status with the creation of beautiful, handcrafted, one-of-a-kind (and coveted) tote-bags.
I am deeply honoured to serve as the President of the CMA and am dedicated to ensuring that the incredible work all of you do is supported and celebrated. I have been privileged to serve with all of you in this industry for a very long time, and I am heading off to retirement secure in the knowledge that the next 30 years will be as transformational for your work as the last 30 have been for mine. It has been an honour to lead this spectacular group of professionals here at the CMA as your President.
Thank you for your trust and your honesty as we have worked through the last few years. The challenges have afforded me the opportunity to learn and grow in rapid fashion and I am excited to watch what all of you get up to next. Don’t get me wrong, the challenges are not over, tough days will still be ahead; but without a doubt, this is the group to tackle them together. Lead with passion and courage. I’m so proud to call you friends and colleagues.
Tracy Calogheros is the President of the Canadian Museums Association’s Board of Directors.
Advertisement
