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Ontario Lifts Mask Mandate
in Most Settings March 21
Government of Ontario
On Wednesday, March 9, Dr. Kieran Moore, Chief Medical Officer of Health issued a statement which declared that with continued improvement in trends, Ontario will remove the mandatory masking requirement for most settings on March 21, with the exception of select settings such as public transit, health care settings, long-term care homes and congregate care settings.
Read the full statement HERE. |
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Technical Media Briefing "Living with and Managing COVID-19"
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Read the technical media briefing "Living with and Managing COVID-19" HERE. For updated information as it becomes available, visit the Government of Ontario website HERE. |
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Ontario Budget Deadline Extended
The Government of Ontario has changed the 2022-2023 budget deadline from March 31 to April 30, 2022. Included in Schedule 4 of Bill 84, Fewer Fees, Better Services Act, 2022, Section 4 of the Fiscal Sustainability, Transparency and Accountability Act, 2019 has been amended to provide that the deadline for the release of the budget is April 30, 2022, whereas it previously required all future governments to release the budget before the end of March. It received Royal Assent on Thursday, March 3, 2022. Read Bill 84 HERE. |
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Thank you to everyone who attended our first Member Check-in of 2022!
We do not record our Member Check-ins so that participants can share openly and freely. That said, we did want to share some of the key take-aways with everyone.
Florencia Berinstein and Nadine Villasin Feldman introduced the discussion by sharing how their institutions, Workers Arts and Heritage Centre and Myseum, are tackling social issues.
Discussions focused on:
- Reluctance of governing bodies (especially political ones) to rock the boat makes it difficult to discuss and address social issues. Museum workers are scared of possible consequences of speaking out. This is compounded by the fact that organizations are slow to change and are often afraid of making mistakes.
- One theme from our discussions was that museums and their staff need a dose of bravery in order to tackle social issues.
- Another theme from the discussions was the need to develop relationships with the community. Museums should consider relationship-building as an investment – it takes time, brainpower and financial investment to create meaningful relationships. The returns on investment that we are used to may not be applicable. It takes time to unlearn and dismantle colonial power structures. Change is possible, but it cannot be rushed.
- Everyone is on their own personal learning journey. We all, especially white settlers, need to sit in our discomfort in this process.
If you would like to continue the discussion, or host a Member Check-in on another topic, please let us know at pd@museumsontario.ca. |
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Regional Museum Networks (RMNs) Supporting OMA Advocacy
RMN Letter to Ministers MacLeod and Bethlenfalvy
In collaboration with the OMA, several of Ontario’s Regional Museum Networks (RMNs) have submitted a letter to the Honourable Lisa MacLeod, the Minister of Heritage, Sport, Tourism and Culture Industries, and the Honourable Peter Bethlenfalvy, the Minister of Finance. This letter is in support of the OMA’s 2022 provincial budget submission, with a focus on a targeted investment of $10 million for annual operating grant funding. The OMA and RMNs are engaging in local meetings with Ministers and MPPs to discuss the impact of this proposed investment for community recovery, also providing an update on the sector and their respective constituents.
Signing the letter are 13 Regional Museum Networks (RMNs):
- Brant Museums & Galleries Association
- Grey-Bruce-Dufferin Museum Network
- Haldimand-Norfolk Cultural Association
- Heritage Sarnia-Lambton
- Kingston Association of Museums, Art Galleries & Historic Sites
- Lanark County Museum Network
- Museums of Niagara Association
- North Shore Cultural Attractions Network (Sault Ste. Marie—Algoma District)
- Ottawa Museum Network
- Renfrew County Museums Network
- Sunset Country Museum Network (Northwestern Ontario)
- Waterloo-Wellington Museums & Galleries Network
- York-Durham Association of Museums & Art Galleries
From the letter:
"Ontario’s museums need targeted provincial financial support to survive and to participate in the province’s economic and social recovery from the pandemic. The Government of Ontario must prevent the loss of Ontario’s museums and the programs and services they provide to hundreds of communities across the province—now is the time to act.
For the stabilization and recovery of the museum sector, Ontario’s Regional Museum Networks support and bring forward the Ontario Museum Association’s key recommendation for the province’s 2022 budget.
- An investment of $10 million for increased support for 300 community museums in every region across the province including rural and Northern Ontario, reaching an additional 150 achieving museums (nonprofits and charities) —stabilizing operations and supporting local recovery.
By providing stability, an increase in public investment would help Ontario museums to fully participate in community recovery. Museums are local employers, educational partners in curriculum programs, and central tourism assets in this period of regrowth. They also prioritize advancing their diversity efforts and engagement in truth and reconciliation. These endeavours are vital in creating and sustaining a modern heritage sector that is reflective and supportive of Ontario’s communities and government objectives. Stable operations, supported by investments in operating funding, are necessary to ensure that any recovery support programs enable long-term strategic success."
Thank you to all the RMNs who were able to respond so quickly to get the letter to the Ministers! We look forward to providing more information about local meetings with MPPs and further advocacy efforts.
Read the OMA’s Budget Submission HERE. |
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Resilient Communities Fund
Application Period Now Open!
Ontario Trillium Foundation
Resilient Communities Fund supports the recovery efforts of organizations impacted by COVID-19 and helps them respond with immediate, medium, and longer-term recovery projects. Applicants can apply for a minimum of $10,000, and up to $200,000, with a maximum of $100,000 per year.
The Fund grants support projects that help rebuild an organization’s capacity, enhance their resiliency, and meet the changing needs of their communities. Projects should be focused on:
- developing new approaches;
- starting new activities;
- adjusting strategies, or
- planning for future challenges
Next application deadline is April 6, 2022, at 5 PM ET. Read more about the application process and eligibility HERE.
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Deadline Extended:
Ontario Grant to Support Anti-Hate Security Measures for Faith-Based and Cultural Organizations
Government of Ontario
The Ontario Grant to Support Anti-Hate Security Measures for Faith-Based and Cultural Organizations is a $25 million, attestation-based grant that will provide funds to faith-based and cultural organizations to increase safety and security measures.
The original deadline for the Grant was March 3, 2022 at 11:59 p.m. EST. The deadline has been extended and we will accept applications until Monday, March 14, 2022 at 11:59 a.m. EST. No further extensions will be granted.
Learn more about it HERE. |
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Application Open:
Seniors Community Grant Program
Ministry for Seniors and Accessibility
The Seniors Community Grants ranging from $1,000 up to $25,000 help community organizations provide opportunities for greater social inclusion, volunteerism and community engagement for older adults, from the safety of their homes or other safe environments. Projects can be focused on a number of areas. Examples include:
- volunteerism
- learning
- financial awareness
- social inclusion
- elder abuse prevention
- mental well-being
- physical activity
Deadline to apply is April 28, 2022, at 5:00 p.m.Learn more about eligibility and how to apply HERE.
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Black Youth Action Plan:
Economic Empowerment Stream
Ministry of Citizenship and Multiculturalism
The economic empowerment stream of the Black Youth Action Plan supports Black youth and young adults to build their careers and achieve economic success. There are three funding initiatives:
- Career Launch
- Career Advance
- Sector Innovation Networks
Initiatives funded by this stream will help support Black Ontarians to overcome barriers and equitably participate in a future-oriented economy, by connecting them with resources such as:
- essential and technical skills development
- high-quality job opportunities
- entrepreneurship supports
- sector-led innovations
Deadlines to apply are:
- Career Launch - March 23, 2022
- Career Advance - April 6, 2022
- Sector Innovation Networks - April 20, 2022
Find out more, including information sessions HERE. |
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Commemorating the
National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
Canadian Heritage
The Commemorating the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation (September 30) component of the Commemorate Canada program provides funding (up to a maximum of $10,000) to eligible recipients for initiatives that commemorate or increase awareness of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and of the history and legacy of residential schools. Application deadline is April 11, 2022 at 11:59 pm ET. Learn more HERE. |
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Current Funding Opportunities
To help ease your search for funding support, the OMA team has compiled a list of current funding opportunities that are relevant to Ontario's museums. View more funding opportunities on the OMA website HERE.
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Consultation: Ontario’s
anti-racism strategic plan review
Government of Ontario
Under the Anti-Racism Act, 2017, the government is required to review Ontario’s Anti-Racism Strategic Plan at least every five years. Ontario’s Anti-Racism Directorate is leading this review, through this online consultation and community engagements. This consultation provides the opportunity to hear from the public about how the government can combat racism in the government, eliminate violence and hate, and empower communities, youth, and families. It will inform anti-racism initiatives that advance racial equity in Ontario, making our province a fairer place for everyone. To participate, you can submit your feedback by: Learn more about it HERE. |
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Greater Sudbury to set aside
up to $210K for museum review
CBC News
The City of Greater Sudbury will set aside up to $210,000 for staff to develop a revitalization plan for its four museums. Councillors voted unanimously on Tuesday to use one-time funding from the city's Capital General Holding Account Reserve to maintain museum staffing so they can develop a museum revitalization plan ahead of the 2023 budget. The city operates four museums (Anderson Farm Museum, Flour Mill Museum, Copper Cliff Museum, Rayside-Balfour Museum) that have all remained closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic Read more HERE. |
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New grant creates ‘more opportunities’ for Uxbridge Historical Centre
The Toronto Star
Jessica Lanziner, curator and manager of the Uxbridge Historical Centre (UHC), spoke to [Town of Uxbridge] council on Feb. 7 about $17,566 in new funding from the federal Reopening Fund for Heritage Organizations, Museum Assistance Program. “These funds allow us to have staff onsite working on significant projects over the winter,” Lanziner explained, noting generally the museum has been fully shut down and unstaffed during the winter closure, making it difficult for the UHC to forge partnerships. Read more HERE. |
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Science North gets $2.5M
to continue coding work
The Sudbury Star
On Friday, the Government of Canada said it is providing Science North with $2.5 million to continue those efforts, Sudbury MP Viviane Lapointe and Nickel Belt MP Marc Serre said in a release. “Science North continues to be an extraordinary leader in interactive education throughout Northern Ontario,” Lapointe said. “Through the Government of Canada CanCode funding, Science North will continue to equip educators and students across Northern Ontario and in First Nation communities with vital digital skills to adapt to the changing technology climate. Read more HERE. |
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Pickering Museum Village
welcomes $100,000 in federal funding
Durham Radio News
“This funding will allow us to continue our important work caring for Pickering’s past,” said Conservator Ellen Tayles-Armstrong, in a statement. “We are currently working to prepare artifacts for inclusion in our new permanent exhibit in our Blacksmith Shop. The Greenwood Blacksmith Shop celebrates its 175th anniversary this year. Staff and interns are also packing artifacts in our current administration storage area to be moved later this year.” The new exhibit is slated to open in June. Read more HERE. |
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Election Advocacy:
Learning the rules & engaging communities
Ontario Nonprofit Network
The Ontario general election will take place on June 2, 2022, and the Ontario Nonprofit Network (ONN) is offering free access to the recordings of the "Election Advocacy" webinar series to help you get informed on election advocacy rules and gather insights on how to engage communities.
Part 1: What nonprofits need to know
Before engaging in election advocacy, you might have questions about rules around what your organization can and cannot do. Do the Ontario’s Election Finances Act Third Party Election Advertising Rules apply to your nonprofit or charity? What are the things you need to do to comply with the Act?
Watch this webinar recording to learn about the rules around election advocacy engagement!
- Access the webinar recording HERE.
Part 2: Engaging communities in advocacy
The second webinar in the series includes tips and stories from experienced community leaders/organizers on movement-building, and community mobilization and engagement, as well as a discussion on how nonprofits and communities can work together for powerful election advocacy.
- Access webinar recording HERE.
You can also read the ONN's Election Advocacy Toolkit HERE. |
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Workshop Series:
Art, Collections, and the Environment
Galeries Ontario Galleries
Art, Collections, and the Environment is a two-day professional development workshop series about art galleries and museums’ impact on the current environmental crisis. This two-day workshop will separate two of the critical areas that art galleries can focus on in helping with the environment crisis. Day One will focus on the physical spaces that house art galleries’ collections and reduce their environmental impact. Day Two will examine how art galleries can collect and programme with artists and artworks focusing on and promoting environmental issues.
OMA members can receive GOG member pricing.
Day 1 - The Environment For Your Collection
Wednesday, March 16, 2022
11:00am - 4:00pm ET
Day 2 - Collecting and Exhibiting The Environmental Crisis
Thursday, March 17, 2022
11:00am - 4:00pm ET
Find out more and register HERE. |
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The GOEMP Committee is Recruiting
for the 2022-2024 Term
Group of Ontario Emerging
Museum Professionals
Are you an emerging museum professional (EMP) within the first 10 years of your museum career? Are you passionate about the future of museums and cultural organizations in Ontario?
If so, then the Group of Ontario Emerging Museum Professionals (GOEMP) Committee is looking for you! We are searching for EMPs from diverse backgrounds, abilities, and corners of the province to share their skills and expertise with our dynamic team.
The application deadline is Monday, March 25, 2022.
Find out more about this opportunity HERE.
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CCI and CHIN Strategic Plan 2021-2026
Now Available
Canadian Conservation Institute and
Canadian Heritage Information Network
Canadian Conservation Institute and Canadian Heritage Information Network Strategic Plan 2021-2026 highlights the values, priorities, and commitments of both organizations, and informs our direction. CCI and CHIN invite stakeholders, partners, and the public to read more about the organizational goals.
Over the course of the next five years the aim is to:
- Build CCI and CHIN expertise in conservation and preservation of modern materials and digital collections;
- Strengthen CCI and CHIN’s leadership in preventive conservation and collections information management;
- Leverage and modernize ways of generating and sharing knowledge through outreach, partnerships, and networking;
- Contribute to the Government of Canada’s priorities:
- Indigenous Reconciliation and Collaboration;
- Diversity of Inclusion;
- Climate Change & Sustainability;
- Museum Policy;
Leverage opportunities within the Laboratories Canada initiative to pursue new ways of achieving science excellence, partnership and ensuring CCI and CHIN have modern and sustainable facilities. Read the Strategic Plan HERE. |
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Registration Opens for
CMA National Conference:
Dismantling Foundations to Build A Better Tomorrow
Canadian Museums Association
April 26 & 27, 2022 (Virtual)Join colleagues for two days of discussion and actionable advice to help you and your organization advance Truth and Reconciliation, act sustainably, build relationships with diverse communities, and develop new ways of thinking and doing. The 2022 CMA Annual Conference will embody the principles of anti-oppression, anti-colonialism, and anti-racism. Register HERE. An excerpt from the CMA Board of Directors' message: "Even as they served to extol the powerful of the day, museums were created to cement and disseminate colonial attitudes and values rooted in the suffering and exploitation of nations, communities, and people. That was then, but so too, it is now. Many museums are now questioning this paradigm and are looking critically at these legacies to become spaces less harmful for those living outside the colonial canon." Read the full message HERE.
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Museums / Musées Canada Summit:
The Future of Museums
April 3 – 6, 2022 (Kitchener, ON)
A group of museum professionals have come together identifying a need in the museum sector. Many museums are now reeling from the effects of the pandemic and are operating in crisis mode. Museums Canada believes there is a need for dialogue, mentorship, networking, and support, not for museums but for those who work at museums or in the broader sector.
The program at the Delta Hotel in Waterloo and Conrad Centre for Performing Arts runs April 3 – 5th, is relevant, from Disruption to Emerging Together and even delves into the metaverse with local companies discussing Crypto Currency for the art sector from tickets sales to donations. The rates, for this inaugural year are $149 for Experienced Generations and $99 for the Next Generation.
Read more and register for the Summit HERE. |
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Support Ontario’s Museums by Giving Forward!
As museums across Ontario face the challenges of reopening safely and renewing relationships with your communities, the OMA is here for you now and as we move forward. The OMA successfully advocated for federal emergency support funding through the Museums Assistance Program, the early and streamlined release of Community Museum Operating Grant (CMOG) funds in 2020 and 2021, and for an additional $2 million to support digital activities during pandemic closures. Your support, participation, and membership make our work possible.Representing the interests of over 700 museums, galleries, and heritage sites across the province, the OMA offers regular webinars and professional development opportunities and resources for pandemic recovery. An OMA membership connects you with our network of over 1000 members, provides you with the tools and resources that support your professional practice, and keeps you informed of breaking news about funding opportunities and policy changes via the ONmuseums weekly newsletter and timely eNews alerts.If you are already an OMA member, thank you! Please renew your membership when you receive an email reminder. If you are not yet a member, please consider an individual, institutional, or commercial membership for yourself, your colleagues, or your institution. You can find information about member categories and benefits on our website.You can make a donation to the OMA on our website or through Canada Helps. Every contribution is giving forward, not giving back, by adding to the collective strength of our sector and investing in a vibrant future for the next generation of museum professionals. You can help us build a more resilient museum sector. Thank you for your support! |
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