How has your heritage organization or site been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic?
The Department of Canadian Heritage is conducting the Government of Canada Survey of Heritage Institutions for the 2020 data year. The purpose of this year’s survey is to gain economic and sector characteristic data with particular emphasis on the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on Canada’s heritage sector. Survey results will be used to monitor changes in the sector, measure performance, and make comparisons to other data sources to better understand the sector as well as assist in the development of national and regional policies and programs.
 
Canadian Heritage will be sending out the survey on the week of August 2nd via email. It has been streamlined to ensure user-friendliness and quick responses. We ask that you please take time to answer the survey, as each response is needed in order to accurately measure the effects of last year’s pandemic on the heritage sector. For more information about the survey, please email the Department of Canadian Heritage at PCH.infoegcep-gcshiinfo.PCH@canada.ca or telephone 343-548-9144.

Government of Canada Survey of Heritage Institutions (GCSHI)
Heritage Policy and Programs Branch
Department of Canadian Heritage, Government of Canada
25 Eddy Street, Gatineau, Quebec, K1A-0M5
PCH.infoegcep-gcshiinfo.PCH@canada.ca

Debate over vaccine certificates continues
The Ontario science table has issued a new brief supporting the implementation of a vaccine passport system and laying out considerations. The publication follows advocacy by many health care professional groups and business groups for a vaccine confirmation system or “vaccine passport.” So far, the Ontario government has stated that it is not interested in developing a passport, pointing to the federal government’s role and the availability of downloadable receipts for those who have received their shots. The federal government has punted the responsibility back to the provinces, and Manitoba and Quebec have announced plans. According to Queens Park Today, the Ontario government did focus group the idea with business owners in January. In the absence of a provincial policy on vaccination certificates in workplaces and community spaces, nonprofits are encouraged to keep in mind their obligations to have a safety plan and the requirement to protect the privacy of health information.

The OMA is launching a new, year-long professional development series that will explore the theme of Decision-Making in The Museum Present and Future. This series will feature Member Check-ins and Webinars designed with input from the community, and in response to members’ evolving needs and priorities.
 
Each session will offer a unique opportunity to explore some of the critical program-level, big picture, and personal career choices that the museum workers are presented with in a rapidly shifting landscape.
 
Call for Proposals: Participate in shaping the 2021-2022 professional development series.
 
We are currently seeking proposals and topic suggestions for Member Check-ins and Webinars. With the OMA Annual Conference taking a different form this year, this is your chance to tell us about what matters to you and to share your work!
 
About the Theme:
“Decision-Making in the Museum Present and Future.”
 
This theme responds to the need for both practical program-level decision-making and prioritization and the need for big-picture institutional and sectoral discussions about the decisions we make in order to create change. It also allows for discussion of the choices that individuals make in their careers.
 
During the past year we heard from museum professionals at member check-ins and in PD evaluations that they wanted to hear from their colleagues about how they were adapting to the constantly changing pandemic environment. What were they doing, how and why? And did it work?
 
We have also heard calls for change to make museums more socially responsible organizations. How are museums changing the way they make decisions so that the future looks different from the past?
 
We need your help making these connections!
 
Do you have a suggestion for a topic or speaker that you would like the OMA to pursue?
Are you interested in leading a Webinar or facilitating a Member Check-in?
 
Read more and submit a proposal or speaker suggestion HERE!

• Learn two new frameworks – design thinking and human-centered design, and how they can be used together to drive lasting change
• Learn how to apply these frameworks to your own career path with an interactive activity in a shared Mural virtual whiteboard
• Learn about additional tools and resources to help you continue building momentum for your own career growth

Innoweave at the McConnell Foundation is offering a Policy Engagement coaching stream, which supports organizations looking to advance policy goals and to engage decision makers across sectors. The next Expression of Interest round is coming up in August.

Read more HERE.

Applications Open: artsvest Volunteer Mentors

Business / Arts is actively recruiting mentors for the artsvest program to share their expertise with participating organizations through group webinars and individualized one-on-one mentorship sessions. It is a meaningful way for arts and business leaders to support the arts community, network with other leaders from across Canada and share their wealth of knowledge in the sector. 

artsvest is Business / Arts' national mentorship training program designed to build capacity in Canada’s cultural sector. The program provides small to medium arts, culture and heritage organizations with resources, expertise and training in marketing, board governance and sponsorship.

To become a mentor, please complete the Mentor Statement of Interest and we will follow up with further information. If you have any questions about the artsvest Mentorship program, please contact Jessica Vellenga, Associate National Director at jessica@businessforthearts.org.

Read more HERE.