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Conference 2008: Storytelling in BC
- People, Places & Perspectives
November 19- 22, 2008
The Fairmont Empress Hotel, Victoria, BC

UPDATE!
Conference 2008
Early Bird Registration
Deadline Extended!

View the Schedule at a Glance
Preview Pre-Conference Workshops
Review the Session descriptors
Download the Registration Form (Word)
OR Register Online

Click the Program Cover (at left) to
download your PDF copy of this year's
Program!

NEW! Early Bird deadline extended!
November 7, 2008.

Watch for Program updates here & on MBEN & BCMA-L listservs!

UPDATE! Book Your Room at
The Fairmont Empress Hotel
for Conference 2008-- Now!

The world renowned Fairmont Empress has set aside a block of rooms for Conference 2008 at the Special Rate of $90.00/night (Single/Double). This rate will apply for 3 days prior and 3 days after Conference 2008 for extended visits. Make it a holiday!

To Reserve Your Room:
1. Contact the Reservations Department directly:
at 250-384-8111
Or the Global Reservations Centre: 1-800-441-1414;

2. You MUST quote the "BCMA Conference" when
booking to guarantee the Special Rate of $90.00/night;

3. Please BOOK EARLY! Fill the room block early by October 19th and The Fairmont Empress will increase the number of rooms available to delegates at the Special Rate!

UPDATE! Conference 2008 delegates have already filled the room block TWICE! The Fairmont Empress continues to accept individual reservations, but you must quote the "BCMA Conference" to receive the Special Rate and for Conference 2008 to be properly credited.

View The Fairmont Empress Photo Gallery:
Panoramic View; Tearoom Lobby & Palm Court (Opening Reception); Crystal Ballroom (Opening
Ceremonies, Keynote & Plenary); Kipling's (Guest Luncheon, AGM); Balmoral Room (Sessions);
Bengal Lounge1; Bengal Lounge2; Afternoon Tea; Library Lounge; Empress Room1;
Empress Room2; 1 Bedroom Suite; Harbourview Room; Standard Room.

Keynote Speaker Announced for
Conference 2008 in Victoria, BC

The BCMA is ecstatic to announce that renowned Canadian storyteller, humorist, author, columnist and revered CBC Radio host and featured contributor, Arthur Black has been named Keynote Speaker for this year's provincial Conference 2008: Storytelling in BC - People Places & Perspectives.

Read Arthur Black's modest Bio
Visit Arthur Black's Website (for a laugh!)

The Program Committee welcomes Arthur and invites members and non-members alike to make their plans now to attend Conference 2008, November 19-22, 2008 in Victoria, BC.

Watch for Program updates here & on MBEN & BCMA-L listservs!

Special Guest Speaker to Lead Cultural Tourism Plenary at Conference 2008

Berkeley Young - in response to member requests, the Program Committee has confirmed this immensely popular speaker from the Culture and Heritage Tourism Alliance Conference in Seattle, WA (Nov '07); also as a special guest presenter for the Ministry of Tourism, Sport and the Arts for culture and tourism industry reps; and instructor for Simon Fraser University's 1-day workshop (both in Feb '08). Now an enthusiastic and regular return visitor to BC's west coast, Berkeley will lead Conference 2008's opening plenary on Thursday, November 20th.

Read Berkeley Young's brief bio.

Read the MTSA flyer "Changing Trends: Challenges and Opportunities for Culture and Heritage Travel in BC" (Feb'07)
Visit the Young Strategies website.

The Program Committee welcomes Berkeley and invites members and non-members alike to make
their plans now to attend Conference 2008, November 19-22, 2008 in Victoria, BC.

Heritage Strategy Stakeholder Workshops

The Heritage Branch has announced a series of 9 regional Stakeholder Workshops as a key "sector consultation" initiative in developing a new heritage strategy for BC.

Download the complete Stakeholder Workshop Schedule.
Contact: Dorothea Haeussler at 250-356-1433 or by email: heritage@gov.bc.ca

Numbers are limited. The BCMA urges members in each region to pre-register to secure a place and share your voice! A new heritage strategy for BC bacame a priority at Conference 2005 and subsequent Conference plenaries and discussions with the Heritage Branch have continued since. In March 2007 a facilitated members' working group produced the basis for a BCMA Position Paper, which was refined and submitted to the Ministry in August 2007. Findings from this Stakeholder Workshop series will be presented at the BCMA's Conference 2008 in Victoria, BC, November 19-22, 2008.

The BCMA applauds the Heritage Branch for undertaking this initiative to engage our sector.
Read the BCMA's Position Paper.

UPDATE! 36 Projects Funded:
BC150: Celebrating Influential
BC Women, Seniors & Elders

The BCMA has funded 36 applications for BC150 project grants offered to give BC museums, art galleries, history & heritage institutions and community organizations the opportunity to tell the stories of BC women, seniors and elders who have made a difference in their communities and helped shape British Columbia's first 150 years. The Province provided $200,000 to BCMA to administer up public exhibit or special projects.

(April 2) - Former Minister Ida Chong (at left) presents Executive Director, Jim Harding with a $200,000 cheque to launch the "BC150: Celebrating BC Women, Seniors & Elders" Project Grants Program.

NEW! Christin Geall added to Secretariat as Program Administrator
BC Institutions & Organizations that have applied to this BC150 program may contact the Program Administrator directly at: 250-356-6067 or by email at: CGeall@museumsassn.bc.ca

Read the original Ministry News Release.

CCI's "Care for Archival Collections" Regional Workshop
- September 19-20, 2008

Sold-out in Terrace, BC in May 2007, this popular CCI workshop was postponed this Spring until this Fall due to the difficulty of registrants trying to find accommodation in Kelowna for the May 2008 long weekend. Alternate dates have now been confirmed with CCI instructors, with the Okanagan Heritage Museum (formerly Kelowna Museum) in Kelowna, BC to host.

Download the updated Registration Form (in PDF).
Deadline for Registration is Wednesday, September 17, 2008 (Limited to 20 participants).

ALSO: Want your Institution to host a BCMA Regional Workshop?
Please email your inquiry to the BCMA.

BCMA Endowment Fund Receives $50,000 Pledge-to-Match from the Vancouver Foundation's "BC Arts Renaissance Fund"

The BCMA has received approval for a matching grant of up to $50,000 from the BC Arts Renaissance Fund--a gift from the Province of British Columbia under the stewardship of the Vancouver Foundation.

The pledged award represents "Year Two" of a three-year funding eligibility under the BC Arts Renaissance Fund and follows the January 2008 award of $22,455 that matched $12,455 raised at Conference 2007and $10,000 allocated by Council, increasing the BCMA Endowment Fund to $57,794.94, which is held in trust by the Vancouver Foundation. BCMA's Development Committee has an initial campaign goal of $100,000 for the Campaign's first two years.

The BCMA now has until December 31, 2008 to raise as many contributions as possible to maximize the Vancouver Foundation's pledged matching grant of $50,000.

Council's Development Committee wishes to thank all donors and sponsors who have contributed to the BCMA Endowment Fund to date. A third and final application to the BC Arts Renaissance Fund is subject to re-investment in the BC Arts Renaissance Fund by the Province for the next fiscal year, so the December 31, 2008 deadline may very well represent the BCMA's last chance to significantly build the Endowment Fund.

To contribute, please click: Making a Donation to the BCMA.

Thank you for your Support!

'Heritage Tourism Liaison' Added

Tiffany Gyles has been contracted by the BCMA on behalf of the Heritage Tourism Alliance of BC and with first-year funding from Tourism BC, to serve as Heritage Tourism Liaison. Tiffany will be based at the BCMA Secretariat office in Victoria, BC and tasked with
coordinating and meeting the objectives of the History & Heritage Sector Marketing Plan, and with helping to develop Year Two's strategic objectives.

On behalf of the Heritage Tourism Alliance of BC, the BCMA is excited to welcome Tiffany and to the continued collaboration between the sector and Tourism BC.

Read Tiffany Gyles' brief bio (in PDF).
Read the Heritage Tourism Alliance of BC's "History & Heritage Sector Marketing Plan"

Contact Tiffany Gyles, Heritage Tourism Liaison, at: 250-387-1877
Email: TGyles@museumsassn.bc.ca

Cabinet Shuffle Brings
New Minister, Title Change

(June 23) - East Kootenay MLA Bill Bennett has been appointed Minister of the re-named Ministry of Tourism, Culture and the Arts, replacing former Minister Stan Hagen. The change gives our Ministry a greater 'culture and the arts' scope while maintaining a direct connection with tourism.

Read Minister Bennett's biography.
Read the Cabinet Shuffle news release.

The BCMA welcomes the new Minister and looks forward to our continued work with the BC Arts Council, Heritage Branch and Tourism BC. Minister Bennett has also been formally invited to participate in Conference 2008 this November.

UPDATE! Conference 2008: Local Host Committee Members Welcome

BCMA's 52nd annual provincial Conference 2008 will be held in Victoria, BC, November 19-22, 2008. Details, including special room rates, are now being finalized with the world renowned Fairmont Empress Hotel on Victoria's picturesque Inner Harbour.

Host Conference Committee:
Victoria & region's Institutional, Associate, Individual & Student Members are also invited to contact The BCMA to participate as members of the local host Conference 2008 Committee, or to volunteer during Conference 2008 week.

Watch HERE & on the BCMA-L listserv for updates & further meeting announcements...

May 18 is International Museums Day:
"Museums as agents of social change and development" is IMD's theme for 2008
International Museum Day is celebrated around the world every May 18th. Click the IMD logo (left) to link to ICOM's IMD homepage for an IMD backgrounder and suggested activities.

Read ICOM's Definition of a Museum

How is your museum celebrating �Our Day�?
Please Post your IMD celebration events to BCMA-L@museumsassn.bc.ca

Call for Nominations Issued for
2008 Golden Service Awards
Introduced as a legacy of the BCMA's 50th Anniversary,
which honoured 25 original recipients, BCMA's 2008
Golden Service Awards will recognize up to 5 more
nominees for their longtime distinguished or otherwise
exceptional service to BC's arts & heritage community,
"with emphasis on service to the BCMA..." to be presented
at Conference 2008's Awards Banquet, November 21,
2008 at The Fairmont Empress in Victoria, BC.

Bob Broadland (C), & David Grubb (L) & Richard (Dick) Grubb, on behalf of their late parents,
Carol & Fred Grubb, received their 2007 Golden Service Awards at BCMA's Regional Open
House Reception at the Maritime Museum of BC in Victoria, BC, Jan. 25/08.

Download the Nomination Form (PDF).

�Museums in Motion Awards�
Nominations, Hardcastle & Nagel
Bursary Applications Invited for 2008
The Awards Committee issued its annual Call for Nominations for BCMA�s five prestigious, provincial Museums in Motion Awards, (at left), as well as applications for the Barrie Hardcastle Bursary and the Joe Nagel Technology Bursary, both worth up to $1,000 for training.Announcement of 2008 recipients will be made at Conference 2008's Awards Banquet, Friday, November 21, 2008 in Victoria, BC.

Read the Museums in Motion Awards Guidelines & Nomination (PDF).
Read the Hardcastle Bursary Guidelines & Application (PDF).
Read the Joe Nagel Technology Bursary Guidelines & Application (PDF).

Read the complete list of 2007 Recipients.
Read the complete list of 2006 Recipients.
Read a brief history & list of Past Recipients.

NEW! Sponsor a Museums in Motion Award! The BCMA invites institutions, organizations, suppliers, individual supporters & corporate partners to sponsor a provincial Museums in Motion Award for 2008. A maximum of five will be presented at the Conference 2008 Awards Banquet in November. For sponsorship & recognition opportunities, please contact BCMA: (250) 356-5694. Email: JHarding@museumsassn.bc.ca

Museums Roundup
Spring Issue #240

Features include: Conference 2008-To the Heart of Our Story; BC150 Feature-Young Storytellers: History in the Making; Canadian War Museum's Enduring Contoversy; BC's Swiss Village, Edelweiss; Histories and Communities: A Review of the Nexus Exhibit at the Kelowna Art Gallery; Fraser River Discovery Centre-2008 Progress Report; Member Profile-Royal BC Museum; Guest Comment by Bob Broadland; Sector News, Whoo's News & More...

(Cover: "Sanctuary" by Marlene Davis; Oil on canvas, 1993).

Download the REVISED Ad Rate Sheet (PDF).
Download the Advertising Agreement (PDF).

NEW! Back issues of Museums Roundup are available for purchase at $5.00 per copy, (plus $1.92 postage). Contact the BCMA to order, or call 250-356-5700.

UPDATED! "Expressions of Interest� (EOI)
Invited for Conference 2010 & Beyond
Institutional Members wanting to bring BCMA�s annual provincial Conference to their region in 2010, or over the years following, are invited to submit their EOI as soon as possible�

Download the Conference Host EOI form.

BCMA & AMA Working Towards Joint Conference in 2009
Following past successes with the Western Museums Association, (Victoria � 2000, Reno, NV � 2003), the BCMA is working with the Alberta Museums Association (AMA) towards a joint provincial Conference in Banff or Canmore, AB in Fall 2009�
Take the Visitor�s Poll.

BC150 Years: "Local Museums Program" Funds 39 Projects

Read the Ministry�s News Release.
Visit the BC150 website:
www.bc150.gov.bc.ca

For Program information, contact:
Coordinator, Linda Eversole:
(250) 356-9398.

(Photo: Executive Director Jim Harding, former Minister of Community Services Ida Chong and former Minister of Tourism, Sport and the Arts, Stan Hagen unveil the BC150 Years Local Museums Program at Helmecken House, May 17, 2007).

Watch HERE & on the BCMA-L listserv for updates & further BC150 funding announcements...

Museums Roundup
Winter Issue #239

Featured articles: The Value Proposition-The Vision of Glen Murray; A Wall Rises-Building Our Future One Brick at a Time; Golden Anniversary Service Awards; Museums in Motion Awards & Bursaries for 2007; BC's Story? --It's Your Story!; Where Art is Born-Artists in Their Studios; Upstairs at Wah Lee's - Portraits by C.S. Wing; Geek Speak - What's with Wikis?; Whoo's News, Sector News, Conference 2-007 Photos, and MORE!

(Cover: Dave Anderson, (left), Quesnel's first police constable, poses with unidentified
pair in front of Wah Lee Store, c. 1910. Photo: Chow Shong Wing).

Conference 2-007 Celebrates BCMA's 50th Anniversary, Draws 215 Delegates

Read the Minister's Welcome
View the Schedule At A Glance

Glen Murray a Hit as Keynote
for Conference 2-007

Best known for his vision to build culturally dynamic urban centres, Glen Murray inspires Canadians to look at cities as the economic engines of the country that must be built on a foundation of culture, creativity and quality of place. There are few public speakers in Canada as powerful on the subject of the future of our cities.

"Great cities do more than fix their pipes, pavement and police service. They tap their unique cultural assets to generate wealth and create a place where people aspire to work and live. This approach is essential to success in the new global, urban age." - Glen Murray, AuthentiCity

The BCMA is extremely grateful to Glen Murray as this year's keynote speaker and opening plenary panelist on Thursday morning, October 25, 2007. His dynamic message resonated for delegates throughout the Conference.

Read: Culture + Place = Wealth Creation by Glen Murray & Greg Baeker
& Other Features posted on the AuthentiCity website

View Glen Murray's Building Community: Understanding Culture and the Economy
presentation to the City of Barrie (2007) in highspeed or dial-up.

Exhibit Controversary Generates Member Discussion

Recent news regarding the CWM's Bomber Command exhibit and air veterans' subsequent outcry--dating back to April 2007--about a display panel "[that] labels wartime bomber crews as war criminals" has generated significant discussion on the BCMA-L listserv.

View the latest CBC News video (3mins.)
Backgrounders:
(Apr 18/07) - Air force vets declare war on museum display
(Jun 13/07) - War Museum should change display that riled vets: senators
(Jun 25/07) - Canadian War Museum CEO leaves
(Aug 28/07) - War Museum to re-work controversial bomber panel
Play the CBC Radio "Q" interview with Dr. Anthony Shelton, MOA (Aug 30/07)

ALSO: (May 3/05) - CBC Ottawa feature - Canadian War Museum
Click the CWM logo above to visit the CWM website, then "Feedback" to contribute your comments directly to the CWM.

To join the BCMA-L discussion and view recent postings, subscribe FREE to the BCMA-L listserv please email your request to: Members@museumsassn.bc.ca

Museums Roundup
Special Issue #238

The Fall 2007 edition is our special, expanded 50th Anniversary issue, features: Celebrations - Kelowna Art Gallery & Island Mountain Arts at 30; Mission Museum at 100; Fort Steele Heritage Town; Old Hastings Mill; Kootenay Quilt Comes Home; BCMA Presidents & Council Members Past & Present; Member Profile - Comox Archives and Museum Society; Geek Speak; Whoo's News and more...

UPDATE! CMA's Conference 2008
Comes to Victoria, BC
The Canadian Museums Association's 61st annual Conference (2008) was held in Victoria, BC, April 8-12, 2008 at the historic Fairmont Empress Hotel.

Nanaimo artist Fred Peters contributed CMA's 2008 signature image of Victoria's Inner Harbour for Conference 2008. The original painting, valued at $2,000 was raffled as a BCMA fundraiser, with the following the raffle winners announced April 12 at the CMA conference:

1st Prize: Original Painting by Fred Peters (Wayne Wilson, Kelowna, BC)
2nd Prize: BCMA Conference 2008 Registration, 3-Nights' Accommodation at The Fairmont Empress Hotel, Victoria, BC, & Complimentary Event Tickets for Guest (Martine LaChance, Gatineau, QC)
3rd Prize: $500.00 Cash Award (Tracy Calogheros, Prince George, BC).
The BCMA wishes to congratulate all winners & to thank those who supported this fundraiser.

"Series II" Best Practices Modules Now Complete
BCMA received funding from Canadian Heritage under the "Canadian Arts & Heritage Sustainability Program" (CAHSP), to compile and produce a "Series II" of "Best Practices Modules" for members to use as online or hardcopy reference material and guidelines for their museums and art galleries.

Thanks to all those who responded to BCMA's "Request for Qualifications" seeking contributing authorities for the 10 additional, CAHSP-approved titles.

Review the Best Practices Modules - Series I

Review the Best Practices Modules - Series 2

Minister Announces $50,000 for "History & Heritage Sector Tourism Marketing Plan"
(Feb 22) The Province is providing $50,000 to the BC Museums Association to implement a provincial history and heritage-related tourism marketing plan, Tourism, Sport and the Arts Minister Stan Hagen announced today.

Mr. Hagen made the announcement at the Council of Tourism Association's Tourism Industry Conference, which also coincides with Heritage Week this year.

The BCMA is part of a consortium of provincial non-profit and private sector heritage organizations and government interests that has been working with Tourism BC on this project. Read the complete Ministry News Release.

"It is a prime opportunity for our sector to collaborate on this effort, which will engage more visitors by sharing our rich, BC heritage and in turn, make their vacation experience even more memorable" said Jim Harding, BCMA Executive Director. Watch HERE for more details...

Museums, Art Galleries Continue to
Sign-up for GO Card Program

BCMA's Member GO Cards are now in action, including the cardholder brochure outlining member benefits, privileges and how to use your
personalized BCMA Member GO Card.

Sponsor decals were presented to Tracy Calogheros, Conference 2006 hosts The Exploration Place, and to Peter Thompson(r), Two Rivers Gallery, by Executive Director Jim Harding

To become a participating Member GO Card Benefits Program sponsor: MOU
Call BCMA's Member Services Coordinator, Shelley Gauthier at: 250-356-5700
OR Email: Members@museumsassn.bc.ca