June 29, 2021
As we kick off summer 2021, we reflect on important staff updates, digital developments and plans for re-opening at the M(M)A.
In late 2020/early 21, we saw the retirement of two long-time M(M)A employees: Rose Anne Prevec (26 years) and Jennifer Petteplace (33 years). We thank them for their good work, commitment to the museum, and outstanding collegiality and team spirit! We miss them but celebrate their well-earned retirements!
Over the course of the past year, we launched the first ever Curatorial Mentorship Program for BIPOC Leadership in Canada. Through this program, we were pleased to support the professional development of mentee colleagues, stylo starr and Erin Szikora, who advanced our work with Black and Indigenous artists. As these mentorships have come to an end, we wish both stylo and Erin much success and look forward to championing and celebrating their future endeavours.
In February, we welcomed aboard a new Communications Officer, Elyse Clinning, who has taken on the immense task of launching our re-brand and re-design, with passion and expertise! And, in the next several months, we will welcome to the team a new Installation Officer, just in time for our planned fall re-opening.
You may have noticed that in April, we launched a new M(M)A brand. Our new digital identity and logo embodies the many facets of who we are as a public museum: a meeting space, a hub for education, and a place for collaboration and inspiration that is actively working towards de-westernizing its collection and advancing de-colonization. The brackets in our logo are flexible and meant to expand and contrast — a visualization of our commitment to open dialogue between the museum and artists, the public, the university, and an expression of the pluralities of the museum as it stretches beyond traditional boundaries.
Further digital advances in terms of visitor access continue as we await a revitalized e-museum and continue to produce virtual projects, including exhibitions. Be sure to visit our current offerings: Quixotic: SUMMA 2021 and the cut, the tear & the remix: contemporary collage and Black futures.
In the past 12 months, we have had the chance to come to terms with our remote existence: both personally and professionally. We hope that you and yours are safe and well and vaccinated if so desired. We also hope that you will take the opportunity to enjoy our many online offerings: public and education programs, exhibitions, and information on collections growth and activities. While we closely follow Provincial, Hamilton Public Health, and McMaster University directives regarding pandemic preparedness, restrictions, re-opening plans/phases and projected post-pandemic era activities, we are hopeful that a hybrid service delivery is in our future for fall 2021.
Please follow us across our many digital platforms and sign up for our newsletter (in the footer below) for the most up-to-date announcements. Here’s wishing all of you a phased return to open access this summer! Looking forward to actually seeing you in September!
Carol Podedworny
Director and Chief Curator
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