Museums in Quebec are reopening as the Quebec government eases COVID-19 restrictions. The Montreal Museum of Fine Arts, for instance, plans to reopen on Feb. 11, with exhibitions about Jean Paul Riopelle, German and Austrian graphics, and more. The Canadian Museum of History in Gatineau, Que., reopens Feb. 10. Premier Francois Legault announced last week that non-essential businesses, including museums, can reopen starting Feb. 8.
A workplace culture survey at the Royal British Columbia Museum and Archives has found the institution is a “dysfunctional” workplace with “a culture of fear and distrust.” News of the survey, conducted by a diversity and inclusion consultant, was reported by the Globe and Mail, as a formal investigation continues into allegations of racism at the Victoria museum. That investigation was prompted by the resignation last summer of Lucy Bell, head of the First Nations department and repatriation program, who cited racism and a toxic workplace in a farewell speech to her colleagues. The Globe also reported that CEO Jack Lohman has acknowledged systemic racism at the museum and said he was “deeply disappointed” by his inability to see what was happening.
An investigation into the conduct of Mark O'Neill, the CEO of the Canadian Museum of History, has been completed. CBC News is reporting that Michelle Flaherty, the lawyer who investigated a formal complaint related to O'Neill, has submitted her findings to the museum's board of trustees. The CBC, citing three sources, said the complaint was related to O'Neill's behaviour with employees, as well as his management style and temperament. He has been on sick leave since the summer. Heritage Minister Steven Guilbeault was reported to be in discussions with the museum's board of trustees.
Alberta's Exposure Photography Festival is going ahead this month despite the pandemic with exhibitions in galleries and businesses, as well as online and outdoors events. The Calgary-based non-profit festival, now in its 17th year, includes digital billboards that will show the work of 31 international and local photographers and the Photoville Fence exhibition, an 800-foot long exhibition at Calgary's Olympic Plaza that will feature some 90 international artists. For information, go here.
The Glenbow Museum in Calgary will be screening what it calls "uplifting" symbols on its facade as part of a new project aimed at inspiring a sense of community. Project prōjekt asked for community submissions, and received almost 500 works. Some 60 were selected by a jury. "These works are daring, loving, hopeful and compelling," the museum says. They will be projected on the museum's exterior wall on Stephen Avenue from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. during the Chinook Blast Festival over three weekends this month, starting Feb. 11. More than half the selections are by artists under the age of 35. All 60 artists will be awarded an honorarium of $1,000.
A new exhibit, Honouring Our Future, celebrates regalia worn by Yukon First Nations high school graduates to ceremonies celebrating their achievements. The exhibit opened last month at the Kwanlin Dün Cultural Centre in Whitehorse and will tour cultural centres across the territory, the CBC reports. The "native grad" as it has become known, is sponsored by the Council for Yukon First Nations and the territory's 14 First Nations. Exhibition curator Lisa Dewhurst, told the CBC that the regalia is beautiful. "It's a way to bring all those pieces together and put them on display for a few years so many people can see them and appreciate them and learn about the story — that love, pride, and support that communities share and show for their young graduates."
Nominations are now open for this year's $30,000 Lieutenant Governor of Alberta Distinguished Artist Awards, the province's most prestigious artistic award. Alberta artists can be nominated through a simple online process. Up to three recipients will receive a $30,000 award at a June 12 celebration. Nominations close Feb. 21. For information, go here.
A large-scale mural by Edmonton artist AJA Louden will highlight the contributions of healthcare workers during the COVID-19 pandemic. The mural, commissioned by the McMullen Gallery and the Friends of University Hospitals, will be displayed in the McMullen at the University of Alberta Hospital from from March to August. It will then move to a permanent home elsewhere in the hospital. For details, visit friendsofuah.org/mural.
The Canadian Clay & Glass Gallery in Waterloo, Ont., is calling for submissions for the $10,000 Winifred Shantz Award for Ceramics. The prestigious national award allows emerging ceramic artists to undertake a period of independent research, or other activities that advance their practice. The winner and up to five finalists will be featured in a group exhibition that opens at the gallery in September. The application deadline is April 30. For info, go here.
The Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity continues to offer online programming in an upcoming series of winter initiatives. Howard Jang, vice-president of arts and leadership programs, says participants reported the fall online programs helped them connect meaningfully to each other and the campus. "We can create moments of connection, and foster artistic and leadership practices across all disciplines, even in this period of isolation, and that means the world to us," he says. The winter initiatives include a program for emerging visual artists, as well as sessions for writers and musicians.