A New Model of National Service for a National Museum: A Work in Progress
Research – Life Sciences and Earth Sciences Collections Public Education
To increase interest in, knowledge of, and appreciation and respect for, the natural world throughout Canada and internationally. Mandate
Canadian Museum of Nature National Consultation Messages Pilot Projects Vision and Strategic Plan Networks and Partnerships Alliance of Natural History Museums of Canada Federal / International Role
Vision Development … a consultative process.
Where could we be of greatest service and value?
What is uniquely ours to do?
Messages Back Valuable perspectives on substance and approach.
Make it bold Create partnerships/ networks Emphasize mutual strengths and asset-building Create Canada’s story Put people in the equation, as part of the natural environment Focus on issues that matter
Experiments Joint staffing – Bamfield Marine Station Exhibition development – Royal Botanical Gardens Special interest group through the Canadian Museums Association Taking advantage of location, proximity, access – NSERC Initiating national dialogue on collections responsibilities
Polls Further consultations – internal and external
New Vision: Connecting People With Nature Emphasis on networks, partnerships, joint ventures Focus on Environmental Change Through Time Provide national service
The GEEE! in Genome and the Nature of Humans Project Ice Age Mammals and the Fire and Ice Project Who Left the Tap On? and the Water Project Projects and Partnerships - Exhibitions
Projects and Partnerships Rideau River Biodiversity Project (Ottawa) and the Frenchman River Biodiversity Project (Royal Saskatchewan Museum) Working Group on Museums and Sustainable Communities (Canadian Centre for Biodiversity) Sila: Clue In To Climate Change (Centre for Traditional Knowledge) CineMuse Network
ROYAL BRITISH COLUMBIA MUSEUM ROYAL ALBERTA MUSEUM ROYAL TYRRELL MUSEUM ROYAL SASKATCHEWAN MUSEUM THE MANITOBA MUSEUM BIODÔME, INSECTARIUM, JARDIN BOTANIQUE ET PLANÉTARIUM DE MONTRÉAL PRINCE OF WALES NORTHERN HERITAGE CENTRE YUKON BERINGIA INTERPRETIVE CENTRE NOVA SCOTA MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY NEW BRUNSWICK MUSEUM PROVINCIAL MUSEUM OF NEWFOUNDLAND AND LABRADOR CANADIAN MUSEUM OF NATURE
Speak with a single voice on issues of common interest Encourage communication among members Pursue joint projects
We are exploring working jointly in areas where we will have greater impact through combined efforts, such as: Enhancing the visibility, recognition and benefit of natural history museums Increasing our influence on public policy and decision-making Collections planning and development to facilitate public and scientific access to collections information
Alliance (ANHMC) Projects: Collections – survey Communications internal (web links, server) external (special events, lobbying) Programs (Miracle Planet, Environmental Film Festival) Exhibitions – Fatal Attraction from the European Natural History Museum Network Market Research
Alliance of Natural History Museums of Canada Challenges: - Geography - A Virtual Organization - Membership - Collective/Individual Priorities - Shifts in Attitude/Approach for Members beyond those most involved
Alliance of Natural History Museums of Canada Planning for the future: Strategic Planning Process Focus on planning the joint work that we want to do
Canadian Museum of Nature Planning for the future: Plan from an assumption that projects are national not local Priority for funding is given to national service and impact Consistently ask: what would this proposed project/program look like with three other partners? Sustained focus outward
Canadian Museum of Nature Thank you to INTERCOM and to The Association of Czech Museums and Galleries