FIVE QUALIFYING MUSEUMS REFUSED CMOG ENTRY
In June meetings with the Ministry, the OMA was made aware of 5 new museums qualifying for entry into the Community Museum Operating Grant (CMOG) program, which provides operating funding to Ontario museums who meet MCL Standards.
The OMA was contacted by concerned staff from these museums (various types and operating budgets) reporting mid-November notification by the Ministry that they would not be receiving anticipated CMOG funding this year, following several months of work with their respective museum advisors.
The late notification will prove very challenging for these sites. For one museum, it may result in closure, partly because their CMOG funding was being matched by municipal funding. For another museum, it will result in the cancellation of programming planned to celebrate a local anniversary. For all museums, more importantly, it does mean added financial pressure compounding the challenges of an already difficult economic climate.
The Ministry notification letter from the Programs and Services Branch states the following “ In the current economic climate, it is important for the Ministry of Culture to take a disciplined and responsible approach to supporting many areas under its mandate, including Ontario’s cultural attractions, agencies, entertainment, and creative industries, public libraries, heritage organizations and museums.”
Members will recall that in June the OMA sent the following recommendations to Minister Carroll, that :
a) new museums be admitted to the CMOG program on an ongoing basis through an annual budget pressure request in the year following their request for admission;
b) the remaining formula gap be addressed through a one-time budget pressure request in the 2010-2011 budget
In her September reply to the OMA, Minister Carroll stated “All museums that meet the requirements of the Community Museum Policy of Ontario and the ssociated Regulation, guidelines and standards will receive operating assistance through the CMOG. “ In follow up discussions with the Minister’s office, it was clarified that the Minister was referring to current CMOG recipients, as mentioned during her remarks at the October Awards Banquet. However, for the concerned museums, it remains unclear when qualifying 2009 applicants will be included. While the OMA certainly appreciates Ministry efforts to mitigate the impact of a growing government deficit, there is no mention of cutbacks to the Ministry since the summer.
The OMA also expressed to both Minister Carroll, and to the Ministry staff of the Programs and Services Branch our members’ serious concerns regarding ongoing delays in program grant notification and cheque release. From the CMOG program, to the Museums and Technology Fund and the Cultural Strategic Investment Fund, in-year funding notification is being received during the final days of recipients’ fiscal years, creating obstacles in financial planning. The Association recommends the return of the 80-20 formula for the release of CMOG funding to recipients.
ONTARIO BUDGET 2010
In addition to an increase in the CMOG program funding envelope, which currently invests in fewer than 200 museums of the more than 400 across the province, the OMA’s invitation to consult with Minister of Finance Dwight Duncan on this coming budget will bring forward the same recommendations expressed to our Minister of Culture.
The OMA will continue to work with the Minister of Culture and the Ministry to increase provincial support of Ontario’s museum sector.
ONTARIO MUSEUMS AT QUEEN'S PARK - FEBRUARY 25, 2010
In this light, the OMA has accepted Minister Carroll’s invitation to visit Queen’s Park again to continue to raise our elected officials’ awareness of the tremendous contribution of Ontario’s museums to the creation of vibrant communities across the province; fostering a healthy creative economy, providing support to Education, and offering authentic cultural tourism experiences to more than 3 million annual visitors to every city and town across Ontario.
Meeting with Minister Carroll in January, the OMA will be discussing issues of concern to our members and our plans for another great Ontario Museums at Queen’s Park Day looking to meet with MPPs from across the province.
We encourage members to invite their MPP’s to attend the day and to remind their MPP’s of the great work that results from the CMOG public investment. During the legislative recess, December to Family Day and Heritage Week starting February 15, 2010, we urge members to visit and contact MPPs in their constituency office to remind them of the important role that Ontario museums play in every community.
Please visit the OMA website in January for an update on our plans or contact the Executive Director for more information.
STANDING COMMITTEE RECOMMENDS MUSEUM INVESTMENT
The House of Commons Standing Committee on Finance tabled its report on the pre-budget consultations on December 14th, and has recommended significant investments in arts and culture, including funding strategies for long-term sustainability of non-national museums.
Read full report
As part of federal pre-budget consultations, representatives from the Canadian Museums Association met with several MPs this fall. OMA Executive Director Marie Lalonde joined these meetings on the Hill, meeting with MP Dean Del Mastro. She was joined by a number of Ontario museum colleagues, including Gayle McIntyre, Program Coordinator for the Arts and Heritage programs at Fleming College, who was able to speak on the importance of smaller museums in Ontario communities.
APPLY FOR MARQUEE EVENT FUNDING BY JAN. 8
The federal Marquee Tourism Event Program (MTEP) is now accepting proposals for the 2010-2011 period. Part of the Economic Action Plan, the program defines a marquee event as an annually recurring world-class event that is well established and has a long-standing tradition of programming and management excellence. Deadline January 8, 2010.
For more information, please visit the Industry Canada website.
CHIN DIGITAL HERITAGE SYMPOSIUM 2010 FEB 4 & 5 IN BC
Making the Connection: Museums, Visitors and New Technologies Museum of Anthropology at the University of British Colombia
February 4th and 5th 2010 A group of key leaders in the field of digital innovation in museums from France, the United Kingdom, the United States and Canada examine the opportunities and challenges confronting heritage institutions in today’s global digital environment.
To register or for more information, visit the Symposium website.
HELP GUIDE YOUR ASSOCIATION INTO THE FUTURE.
A note from Task Force Chair Tammy Adkin:
I'd like to extend an invitation to OMA members to participate in the 2010 Membership Task Force. In the spring, the OMA will be conducting a survey to assess any changes in members' needs since the last survey in 2005. We need your help to work with Membership Coordinator Rebecca Gunness and myself, in developing survey questions, and providing feedback and recommendations in the analysis of the results. A commitment of 1-2 hours per week from January to March will be required. Deadline for application January 6, 2010.
Find out more
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