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Recognizing Emerging Voices: 2026 Integrated Arts (iArts) Awards at the McMaster Museum of Art

Posted on May 7, 2026 by MMA Admin

The McMaster Museum of Art is proud to present and celebrate this year’s graduating Integrated Arts students through a series of awards, recognizing artistic excellence, collaboration, and innovation. From work that reflects the core values of the School of the Arts to projects that push creative boundaries and foster community — the SOTA Mission Award, Leadership & Community Spirit Award, Interdisciplinary Art Award, and Risk-Taking & Bravery Award highlight the range and depth of emerging practices within the iArts program. Together, these honours not only recognize individual achievement but also speak to a shared commitment to experimentation, inclusivity, and the transformative power of the arts.

The awards were adjudicated by iArts Faculty Advisors Dr. Peter Cockett, Adrien Crossman MFA, Briana Palmer MFA, and Dr. Syrus Marcus Ware, who brought a shared commitment to interdisciplinary practice, social justice, and research creation. Across student works spanning media such as film, performance, sculpture, game design, and visual arts, M(M)A Director and Chief Curator Mary Reid highlighted “the breadth of approaches and the care with which students engaged themes of identity, memory, embodiment, and culture” and how the works serve as forms of inquiry and connection. “On behalf of the adjudicators, we want to congratulate all the award winners, honourable mentions and the cohort for their exceptional work. We look forward to seeing how the student practices’ continue to grow and shape the future of interdisciplinary arts,” she added.

The exhibition, iARTS XPO: 2026 Graduating Cohort, is on view at McMaster Museum of Art M(M)A until Friday, June 26, 2026. Join us during May @ Mac Open House (May 9) for drop-in tours from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

We asked the award winners about their iArts experience and their work at the exhibition:

School of the Art (SOTA) Mission Award

Recognizing work that most strongly reflects the School of the Arts’ mission and values

SOTA Mission: The School of the Arts at McMaster is supported by staff and faculty that are dedicated to high quality teaching and research. Through close connection with faculty, we promote excellence in artistic production in all its diverse forms, as well as critical, theoretical analysis and study in historical and contemporary contexts.

SOTA’s faculty recognize the integral role of the arts in individual and public well-being, community building, inclusivity and global awareness. We offer a unique balance of hands-on and experiential opportunities combined with historical, theoretical and critical approaches. Our students study the social and cultural implications of the arts, and they collaborate with faculty in studio and laboratory settings, mount and critique exhibitions and theatrical productions, and train as solo and ensemble performers.

Winners: Maia Nguyen & Vikaash Arunmozhi

How does your iArts experience and your exhibited work reflect the award?

Maia: While completing my BFA in the iArts program, I had the opportunity to collaborate with many talented individuals. Collaboration across practices was always encouraged and pushed me to step out of my comfort zone as an artist. I couldn’t be more grateful that this environment led me to create this film with Vik. Palimpsets represents so much of my life and carries a message that is deeply meaningful to me. The main goal of the film is to inspire acceptance and empathy in a world that can often feel so cruel.

What does receiving this recognition mean to you at this stage of your practice, and how might it shape what you do next?

Maia: I am honoured to receive this award on my first venture into filmmaking. It is incredibly encouraging to know that the film Vik and I produced reflects the mission and values of SOTA. Our film, Palimpsests, is the result not only of our work but of the many passionate people who supported us along the way. Receiving such positive feedback has inspired me to explore where this medium will take my artistic career, and I am excited for my future as a filmmaker and actor.

How does your iArts experience and your exhibited work reflect the award?

Vik: At this stage of my practice, this award feels like the validation and recognition of the values we’ve been aiming to share for our time at McMaster—acceptance, diversity, empathy and equity. To receive such an award from the M(M)A has been such a privilege and an honour, and validates the work that I’m doing right now, and will continue to do in the future, will have a genuine impact on the world.

What does receiving this recognition mean to you at this stage of your practice, and how might it shape what you do next?

Vik: Palimpsests reflects SOTA’s mission by using multi-media storytelling to foster inclusivity and meaningful dialogue that can lead to change. Through its celebration of immigrant experiences and the beauty of multiculturalism, the work highlights the transformative role of collaboration and the arts in building empathy and community. By critically engaging with themes of identity, belonging, and cultural exchange, the film embodies SOTA’s commitment to diversity, experiential learning, and creative practices that inspire audiences to question and connect with these themes that are becoming ever-important in the world as it is right now.

Honourable Mention: Tahmia Thomas

Leadership & Community Spirit Award

Recognizing artists who demonstrate leadership, collaboration, and a strong sense of community

Award: Riley Payne

How does your iArts experience and your exhibited work reflect the award?

Riley: I am so honoured to have received this award. Throughout my experience in the iArts program, my focus has been on collaborative practice and sharing input and skills to further our work. This year’s graduating class has, in large part, helped one another reach our goals—both within our individual art practices and as inaugural students of the iArts program, helping to shape it for future years. My exhibited work at the exhibition involved giving out prints to the community, allowed me to connect with many people and share my artwork.

What does receiving this recognition mean to you at this stage of your practice, and how might it shape what you do next?

Riley: Receiving this award will shape my future practice by providing a foundation to explore my work in relation to the community as an emerging artist. I gained valuable experience and many meaningful memories over the course of the year, and I am so grateful to have worked with all of my peers. Being part of so many individual projects, as well as the exhibition planning as a whole, highlighted the importance of community. I hope to continue centering community in my work.

Honourable Mention: Miriam Georgis

Interdisciplinary Art Award

Recognizing work that thoughtfully engages across disciplines, forms, or approaches

Award: Pocket Lint Collective (Amelia Doty & Charlie Saltzman)

How does your iArts experience and your exhibited work reflect the award?

Charlie: When discussing what we wanted to do for our thesis, Amelia and I knew it had to span multiple mediums. Within the iArts program, we were encouraged not only to explore different practices, but also to consider how integrating them can inform our work as a whole. Creating work that utilizes theatre, installation, photography, sound design, and more felt like a fitting way to close this chapter of our iArts experience. Our work, COMING & GOING: OUT and OUT: Partying as a Form of Queer Resistance exist as separate works, though you can see how they shaped one another through the interdisciplinary approach we took throughout the creative process—a true testament to our program.

What does receiving this recognition mean to you at this stage of your practice, and how might it shape what you do next?

Charlie: As a collective, we pride ourselves on taking a multidisciplinary approach to our projects. To receive this recognition, as we step into the world as emerging artists, is quite validating. Not only does this award recognize our current creation process, but it creates the space for us to continue to try more as artists. Whatever we make next will be done with the same interdisciplinary approach that is at the core of our program. As an emerging artist, I hope to continue to grow not only through experience but through experimentation. You never know what you can create until you try.

How does your iArts experience and your exhibited work reflect the award?

Amelia: Our work, COMING & GOING: OUT and OUT: Partying as a Form of Queer Resistance was born out of an undying love for every medium Charlie and I could get our hands on during our time in the iArts program. We knew we would never be able to settle on doing just one medium or even one project for our thesis, so we settled on doing them all. We could not be more grateful to our professors, instructional assistants and this program for encouraging us to embrace the possibilities of an interdisciplinary piece of work and helping us bring it to life.

What does receiving this recognition mean to you at this stage of your practice, and how might it shape what you do next?

Amelia: This recognition comes at the uncertain precipice between school and the professional world, a daunting time for any artist. It proves to us that we are creating work that speaks to the people around us and encourages us to keep creating. As a collective, the beneficiaries of this recognition will allow The Pocket Lint Collective to continue to create the work we love in the coming year and follow our passions for interdisciplinary art. Thank you to the McMaster Museum of Art for believing in us and our work.

Honourable Mention: Jacob Byck

Risk-Taking & Bravery Award

Recognizing bold, experimental, or conceptually ambitious work

Award: Kior Barrow

How does your iArts experience and/or your exhibited work reflect the spirit of this award?

Kior: The iArts program has attracted artists from a wide range of disciplines, and we all work together in shared studio spaces. Being surrounded by so many creatives is incredibly inspiring, and the diverse perspectives offered by my peers have encouraged me to explore beyond my usual wheelhouse. Additionally, the iArts program has taught me how to adapt—if a concept isn’t working in one medium, it might make sense in another. When tackling complex ideas, I find it helpful to engage with as many mediums as there are interpretations.

What does receiving this recognition mean to you at this stage of your practice, and how might it shape what you do next?

Kior: Being recognized for taking risks is a strong sign that I’m moving in the right direction. Although I’ve been in practice for a long time, I’m still very new to my professional art career, and I’ve already managed to create something that people are excited to engage with. Much like ripping oneself open for public viewing, sometimes you need to get weird and messy for others to understand you. And hopefully, work like mine will change the way people think about art—or at least inspire them to take a risk of their own.

Honourable Mention: Gemima Mukendi

Christina Leslie Announcement on TFVA Award and Acquisition of Pinhole Remix (2020) for M(M)A Collection.

Posted on April 28, 2026April 28, 2026 by MMA Admin

McMaster Museum of Art Hiring Assistant Curator (18-month contract)

Posted on June 13, 2025June 13, 2025 by MMA Admin

The McMaster Museum of Art (MMA) is seeking an informed, experienced,
committed and collegial individual to fill the position of Assistant Curator from
Tuesday August 19, 2025 – January 22, 2027.

The MMA is a public, university-affiliated art museum, one amongst 48 such
institutions in Canada. The MMA houses one of the best collections in a
university-affiliate in the country. The collection of approximately 7,000
objects, includes Indigenous, Inuit, contemporary Canadian and 15th– 20th
Century European art. The collection is housed in a facility with museum
standard environmental and security controls, 5 exhibition galleries, 5 on-site
storage vaults and 11 full-time staff. The Museum hosts an on-going exhibition
program, public/education programs and acquisitions program supported by
a significant on-line and social media presence.

Vision

The MMA will positively disrupt the traditional museological narrative by
creating more inclusive, dynamic and experiential relationships between
peoples and artistic practices.

Mission

The MMA is a meeting space for both the campus and the community
situated within the traditional territories of the Mississauga and
Haudenosaunee nations. The Museum engages, educates and inspires
through: Growing an awareness of the interconnectivity of the past, present
and future; Advancing de-colonization; Engaging in innovative and
imaginative research; Dismantling institutional and ideological boundaries;
Partnering and collaborating with intentionality; Diversifying the collection;
and Building capacity.

It is an exciting time to join the M(M)A! If you feel you are the right person to
join our team: in a time of transition, in a time of significant social and political
action in the arts and socio-cultural communities; if you are dynamic,
motivated and a team player, this job offers the opportunity to contribute to a
transformation in the arts in Canada.

Job Description

Start Date: August 19, 2025
End Date: February 20, 2027
Salary Grade: 7 ($27.12 – $31.65 hourly)

Duties and Responsibilities

Responsible for assisting in research, interpretation, collection
development and exhibition production relating to the Museum
collection areas and exhibition program.
Support the operational needs for different exhibitions.
Conduct database, literature, and web searches to find references and
articles. Compile this information to be used for various purposes such
as exhibition interpretation, collection support, grant applications, and
policy and procedure manuals.
Provide support for the planning and organization of incoming and
outgoing touring exhibitions including estimating time and resources
needed.
Draft curatorial texts, including exhibition statements, didactics, and
short essays.
Assist with the care and control of the permanent collection. This will
include inventory management, condition reporting, physical handling
and data entry into the collections database.
Draft acquisition justifications that enhance the Museum’s art
collection.
Collaborate with education and programming teams to develop
meaningful public programs that engage audiences.
Provide support in the design and delivery of educational programs
that encourage involvement in Museum activities. This can range from
offering feedback on pilot programs to assisting with exhibition tours.
Work with all project members to obtain sign off to deliverables &
timelines.
Attend and participate in meetings. Take meeting minutes.
Review, edit, and format a variety of documents including but not
limited to correspondence, grant applications, manuscripts, reports,
abstracts, and slide presentations.
Maintain confidentiality of information.
Apply museological best practices in collections management and
exhibition development.
Foster connections with artists, scholars, and peer institutions at a
regional and national level.
Grow curatorial expertise through mentorship, professional
development, and practical experience.

How To Apply

To apply for this job, please submit your application online.

Deadline for applications: June 27th, 2025

Employment Equity Statement

McMaster University is located on the traditional territories of the
Haudenosaunee and Mississauga Nations and within the lands protected by
the “Dish With One Spoon” wampum agreement.

The diversity of our workforce is at the core of our innovation and creativity
and strengthens our research and teaching excellence. In keeping with its
Statement on Building an Inclusive Community with a Shared Purpose,
McMaster University strives to embody the values of respect, collaboration
and diversity, and has a strong commitment to employment equity.

The University seeks qualified candidates who share our commitment to
equity and inclusion, who will contribute to the diversification of ideas and
perspectives, and especially welcomes applications from indigenous (First
Nations, Métis or Inuit) peoples, members of racialized communities, persons
with disabilities, women, and persons who identify as 2SLGBTQ+.

As part of McMaster’s commitment, all applicants are invited to complete a
confidential Applicant Diversity Survey through the online application
submission process. The Survey questionnaire requests voluntary self-identification
in relation to equity-seeking groups that have historically faced
and continue to face barriers in employment. Please refer to the Applicant
Diversity Survey – Statement of Collection for additional information.

Job applicants requiring accommodation to participate in the hiring process
should contact:

Human Resources Service Centre at 905-525-9140 ext. 222-HR (22247), or
Faculty of Health Sciences HR Office at ext. 22207, or
School of Graduate Studies at ext. 23679
to communicate accommodation needs.

Hybrid Work Language

To ensure an ongoing and vibrant University community that meets the needs
of our students, staff and faculty and supports the University mission, ability to
work on-site continues to be a requirement for most University positions. The
University is supportive of exploring flexible work arrangements that
effectively balance operational needs and employee interests.

Link to apply.

McMaster Museum of Art Welcomes Mary Reid as Director and Chief Curator

Posted on February 4, 2025February 11, 2025 by MMA Admin

Ascending Horizons at McMaster Museum of Art

Posted on January 16, 2025January 16, 2025 by Elyse Clinning

Call for Student Submissions for Resilience & Connection: Artistic explorations of mental health

Posted on October 11, 2024October 11, 2024 by Elyse Clinning

McMaster University hiring Director and Chief Curator, McMaster Museum of Art

Posted on October 7, 2024March 5, 2025 by Elyse Clinning

McMaster University is currently reaching out to the community as we initiate the search for a new Director and Chief Curator, Museum of Art, a public gallery in the heart of main campus in Hamilton, Ontario. The Museum aims to positively disrupt the traditional museological narrative by creating more inclusive, dynamic and experiential relationships between peoples and artistic practices. The Director and Chief Curator will continue to lead the momentum of existing strategic priorities for the Museum, while envisioning and building sustainable plans for the future.

About the Museum

The McMaster Museum of Art is a meeting space for both the campus and the community situated within the traditional territories of the Mississauga and Haudenosaunee nations. The Museum engages, educates and inspires through: growing an awareness of the interconnectivity of the past, present and future; advancing de-colonization; engaging in innovative and imaginative research; dismantling institutional and ideological boundaries; partnering and collaborating with intentionality; diversifying the collection; and building capacity. The 2020-2025 Strategic Plan which provides further details on current priorities can be accessed here.

About the Director and Chief Curator Role

The Director and Chief Curator provides dynamic leadership in the determination and implementation of strategic, financial, fundraising, promotion and infrastructure, planning and priorities for the McMaster Museum of Art and the university art collection with full participation and guidance in all policy development and associated decision making.

Reporting to the Provost and Vice-President (Academic), and collaborating with various community leaders, members, students and groups, the Director and Chief Curator will serve as a contributing member of the academic leadership team of the University. The Director and Chief Curator will also provide regular reporting updates to the President on strategic and long-range planning, Board related matters, the Levy Bequest and special events.

Core Accountabilities:

The Director and Chief Curator will lead a small team of professionals and oversee all strategic priorities and operational management of the Museum of Art.

Initiates policies; implements procedures and appropriate reporting mechanisms to ensure compliance and fulfillment of fiduciary trust and legal obligations on the part of McMaster University for one of its single largest capital assets.
Directs growth and development of the University art collection and the Levy Bequest; as well as operational management of the art collection to comply with responsibilities of public trust; and intellectual management of cultural and educational resources.
Generates a broader, stable funding base for Museum operations through fundraising, external profile development, sponsorships, grant applications and special revenue generating activities.
Represents the Museum and the University to donors, the media, all levels of government, private and public funding agencies, the national and international community of art museums and related public and educational programming.
Provides academic support in a range of discipline areas.
Develops a common vision for the Museum reflective of its varied constituents.
Fiscal management of the Museum and associated capital assets, professionals, artists and art dealers.
Develops and presents an annual schedule of exhibitions in collaboration with the curatorial team.

Related Experience:

The ideal candidate will have a passion for building community through the arts. They should be innovative, willing to engage constituents through traditional and non-traditional methods, and familiar with new and developing technology trends in the arts. They will have strength in relationship building and community engagement, a demonstrated track record of fundraising success, and experience working with diverse partners and teams including students, volunteers and donors. The successful candidate will have significant experience managing operations and staff leadership, administration, financial affairs, business development/marketing programs, strategic planning, and oversight of Board-directed initiatives.

A bachelor’s degree in arts, business or museum sciences (master’s degree preferred); or an equivalent combination of education and related lived experience.
5+ years of successful managerial and leadership experience, as a director and/or administrator.
Successful leadership in a fundraising capacity with a proven track record of both public and private fundraising abilities as well as grant funding for programs.
Experience in financial management, including budget development and monitoring.
Excellent interpersonal, communication, and relationship building/networking skills.
A high degree of cultural competence and experience working with and serving diverse populations.
Strong organizational abilities including planning, delegating, program development and reporting.

What We Offer

At McMaster University, our people are our most valuable asset. In our commitment to creating a brighter world, McMaster University strives to attract, develop, and retain talented faculty and staff, and to foster inclusive excellence which values the strengths, perspectives, and contributions of each individual. McMaster’s profile and stature has evolved to one of the Top 100 Universities in the World. McMaster is consistently recognized as one of the top employers in the Hamilton/Niagara region and one of Canada’s Top Diversity employers, and offers a very competitive Total Compensation Package that includes but is not limited to:

Employer Paid benefits such as Extended Health, Dental, Emergency Out-of-Country Travel Coverage & Basic Life Insurance,
Progressive paid annual vacation plan,
Participation in a competitive Group Registered Retirement Savings Plan (RRSP),
Training, coaching and professional development opportunities,
Employee tuition assistance for continuous development and education,
Opportunity to be a part of an academic environment working alongside professionals who share a passion for learning.

For full details, reference McMaster’s Total Rewards website for additional information.

McMaster also offers a Flexible Work Environment, and this role will be eligible to participate in a hybrid work arrangement aligned with core operational requirements.

Additional Information

McMaster University is located on the traditional territories of the Haudenosaunee and Mississauga Nations and within the lands protected by the “Dish With One Spoon” wampum agreement.

The diversity of our workforce is at the core of our innovation and creativity and strengthens our research and teaching excellence. In keeping with its Statement on Building an Inclusive Community with a Shared Purpose, McMaster University strives to embody the values of respect, collaboration and diversity, and has a strong commitment to employment equity.

The University seeks qualified candidates who share our commitment to equity and inclusion, who will contribute to the diversification of ideas and perspectives, and especially welcomes applications from indigenous (First Nations, Métis or Inuit) peoples, members of racialized communities, persons with disabilities, women, and persons who identify as 2SLGBTQ+.

As part of McMaster’s commitment, all applicants are invited to complete a confidential Applicant Diversity Survey through the online application submission process. The Survey questionnaire requests voluntary self-identification in relation to equity-seeking groups that have historically faced and continue to face barriers in employment. Please refer to the Applicant Diversity Survey – Statement of Collection for additional information.

Job applicants requiring accommodation to participate in the hiring process should contact: