A Summer of Reflections

It's been three months since the start of a new chapter in this journey, retracing my steps to the easternmost lake where I was born, to serve as Chief Curator in the City of Toronto. 

It's also opening week of the Toronto International Film Festival; there are a myriad of culture, arts, sports, tech, academic and music events around the GTA all year, from Sounds of Greektown to the Dragon Festival, definitely something for every one of our three million residents. 

The many museums, galleries and cultural centres shine with new exhibitions, new acquisitions and fresh perspectives. Something is always happening at our ten Toronto History Museums, whether it's tea and bread baking at Montgomery's Inn on Wednesday afternoons, or merch shopping and musket demonstrations at Fort York National Historic Site. https://www.toronto.ca/explore-enjoy/history-art-culture/museums/

This week the Canadian Museum of Architecture partnered with the City to host a month long exhibition at Old City Hall. It's free and open to the public, however viewing hours are limited. https://cmarch.ca/exhibits/.

As summer gently melts into autumn, core memories emerge as I walk street trails and shorelines, reconnecting with friends and family, regaining my rhythm of this regional cycle of rapid growth, ripening, seed production and rest. 

This month also marks the completion of year one into my new life stage... it truly is a whole new level of learning. In many ways I feel like a teenager again,  unfamiliar, uncertain, but bursting with anticipation for what hope we can inspire in each other through the decisions we make and actions we take. 

Thank you to the many who are  supporting me in this unexpected journey. It is just what I needed to set a course for the next 50...

Museums are for sharing time with loved ones

This International Museums Day I'm reflecting on my memories of spending time with loved ones in and around museums. 

From the ROM to Vizcaya to the Science Museum of Minnesota, my life has been filled with museum fun!

There are all sorts of new research reports about the importance of art and culture in building healthy communities. For me museums are are a place where I can connect with my self, my family, my community and the world around me both near and far across the continuum of time and space. 

A museum visit provides a variation in my daily routine, learn something new, or see something from a different perspective. 

Most museums offer specialized programming, educational experiences and art activities throughout the year in addition to their permanent facilities and collections. 

Whenever you can, make a visit - virtual and in person - to your local museum. Support them by leaving a review, writing an op-ed, becoming a committee member, donor or volunteer. More than ever museums are beginning to understand they belong to you - their communities. We can help them by sharing our views on how we can grow, improve, and help strengthen each other together. 

Happy International Museums Day!

Tara Chadwick

5.18.25