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Harper Government Announces First Partnership with the Canadian Museum of History
VICTORIA, BC, Feb. 21, 2013, 2013 (Canada NewsWire via COMTEX) --
The Honourable James Moore, Minister
of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages, today announced the
signing of a partnership agreement between the future Canadian Museum
of History and the Royal BC Museum. This is the first in a series of
partnership agreements that will allow the new Canadian Museum of
History to fulfill its mandate.
"I am delighted to see the efforts being made to create links between
museums across the country," said Minister Moore. "Canada has many
great museums that showcase particular aspects of our country's
history, and these collections are of interest for people across the
country. On the road to Canada's 150(th) birthday in 2017, let us celebrate all of the things that make Canada
the united, strong, and free country we are today."
These partnership agreements will increase collaboration in producing
and presenting exhibitions and programs across Canada. They will give
Canadians from coast to coast to coast the chance to benefit from the
collections safeguarded by museums across the country, and will help
enhance Canadians' knowledge and understanding of our shared history.
As a partner, the Royal BC Museum will have access to important pieces
from the Canadian Museum of History's collection, which includes some
three and a half million items. The new museum will also have the
benefit of regional perspectives from partners like the Royal BC
Museum.
"The Royal BC Museum is an outstanding museum, and I am both pleased and
honoured that they have accepted to join this newly created network of
history museums," said Mark O'Neill, President and CEO, Canadian Museum
of Civilization Corporation. "Our two museums have a history of great
collaborations, and I look forward to many more fruitful endeavours
together."
"We are pleased to be forging a strategic partnership with the Canadian
Museum of History," said Professor Jack Lohman, Chief Executive Officer
of the Royal BC Museum. "Working with a network of the country's top
history museums allows us to increase our audiences, develop innovative
new programs, share expertise, grow our staff, and maximize resources
and impact."
The Government of Canada is an occasional funding partner of the Royal
BC Museum, through programs of the Department of Canadian Heritage.
NETWORK OF CANADIAN MUSEUMS OF HISTORY
Backgrounder
On October 16, 2012, Minister Moore announced the Government of Canada's
intention to create the Canadian Museum of History.
The new Museum will highlight the national achievements and
accomplishments that have shaped our country, including the "Last
Spike" from the construction of the Canada Pacific Railway, Maurice
"Rocket" Richard's hockey jersey and items from Terry Fox's Marathon of
Hope. Through existing resources and new partnerships with museums
across Canada, the Canadian Museum of History will renovate over 50,000
square feet of public space. This renovation, to be completed before
Canada's 150(th) birthday in 2017, will provide the public with the opportunity to
appreciate how Canada's identity has been shaped over the course of our
history.
The future Canadian Museum of History is seeking input from Canadians on
the major themes, events, and accomplishments that have shaped our
country. So far, approximately 20,000 people have shared their ideas by
participating in an online forum (www.civilization.ca/myhistorymuseum/) and in public engagement sessions in nine Canadian cities.
The Museum is leading the establishment of a nation-wide museum network
that will greatly enhance the production and reach of exhibitions
focusing on Canadian history.
The creation of a pan-Canadian network of history museums will provide
greater access to our heritage and our shared history, allowing
Canadians from coast to coast to coast to benefit from the exquisite
collections safeguarded by museums across the country. Partnership
agreements will allow artifacts and collections, which might otherwise
be stored in the museums vaults, to circulate between partnering
institutions.
The network will promote collaboration and co-productions, the sharing
of artifacts, the development of new online projects and tools, and the
exchange of professional expertise. The ultimate goal is to enhance
public understanding of Canadian history from both a national and
regional perspective, and to foster a common sense of identity
throughout the country.
Through the network, museums across the country will have a national
showcase in the new Canadian Museum of History, which will devote a
permanent space to exhibitions produced by network members.
In addition, the Government of Canada is supporting museums through the
Museums Assistance Program and the Canada Travelling Exhibitions
Indemnification Program. These programs will also continue to work with
museums and galleries across the country to offer maximum opportunities
to Canadians to enjoy access to international and Canadian treasures.
The Museums Assistance Program funds projects to provide access to
heritage, facilitate the circulation and borrowing of exhibitions,
promote and preserve Aboriginal heritage, and help in the professional
management of Canada's historical legacy.
Recently, the Government of Canada doubled the financial capacity of the
Canada Travelling Exhibitions Indemnification Program in Economic
Action Plan 2012 to $3 billion. This program helps Canadian museums and
art galleries reduce their insurance costs when hosting major
exhibitions. It has two objectives: to increase access for Canadians to
Canada's and the world's heritage through the exchange of artifacts and
exhibitions in Canada; and to provide Canadian art galleries, museums,
archives, and libraries with a competitive advantage when competing for
the loan of prestigious international exhibitions.
SOURCE: Canadian Heritage
To view this news release in HTML formatting, please use the following URL: http://www.newswire.ca/en/releases/archive/February2013/21/c7512.html
SOURCE: Canadian Heritage
SOURCE: Government of Canada
(media only), please contact: Sebastien Gariepy Press Secretary Office of the
Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages 819-997-7788 Media Relations
Canadian Heritage 819-994-9101 1-866-569-6155 media@pch.gc.ca (This news release is
available on the Internet atwww.canadianheritage.gc.ca underNewsroom.)
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