Alberta Museums Association

10/09/2026

Thank you to our Day One Breakfast Sponsor, Ticketure, for helping kick off the Adaptable Museum Conference on September 23 with great conversations and meaningful connections.⁠
⁠
We were delighted to welcome Anah McRae, Director of Business Development at Ticketure, to Edmonton and appreciate their support of museum and cultural professionals.⁠
⁠
Image credit: Adam Goudreau Photography

10/08/2026

At the Annual General Meeting (AGM) on September 24, 2026, the Alberta Museums Association (AMA) Membership elected four Individual Members to the Board of Directors for the 2026 - 2029 term.⁠
⁠
Alice Koning, of Red Deer, was re-elected to her second term as Vice President. Trisha Carleton, of Edmonton; Lisa Vakkers, of Drumheller; and Deanna Way, of Grande Prairie, were elected to their first terms. The AMA warmly welcomes these new, and returning, Board members.⁠
⁠
The AMA would like to thank departing Board members Allisa Dullemond, of Peace River, and Linden Roberts, of Wembley, for their years of service to the Association.⁠
⁠
As a member-driven organization, the AMA relies on Individual Members to volunteer for our Board of Directors. ⁠
⁠
L-R: Lowell Yellowhorn, Trisha Carleton, Zack Anderson, Naomi Grattan, Maura Armstrong, Jennifer Forsyth, Shannon Murray, Alice Koning, Eric Baffour Awuah at the 2026 Annual General Meeting on September 24 in Edmonton. Not pictured: Lisa Vakkers, Deanna Way. Image credit: Adam Goudreau Photography.

10/06/2026

Register by October 28 for the Canadian Museums Association / Association des musées canadiens Community Collaborators Moved to Action Cohort Program!

09/30/2026

The AMA office is closed today, September 30, in observance of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. The AMA acknowledges the historical and ongoing colonial impact of museums on Indigenous communities and seeks a future in which the colonial harms of museums no longer limit access to Indigenous self-determination, heritage, and culture. We recognize that museums play an important role in preserving and sharing diverse stories, fostering understanding, and supporting community well-being, and we are committed to walking together on the path of reconciliation through our work, partnerships, and ongoing learning. ⁠
⁠
Many museums, cultural centres, friendship centres, Indigenous Nations, and municipalities throughout Alberta are hosting events to honour the children who never returned home, recognize the survivors of residential schools, and acknowledge the lasting effects of the residential school system.⁠ We encourage you to participate in a commemorative event in your area.

09/29/2026

The deadline for Operational Staffing Grant applications is Thursday, October 1! Details here: https://www.museums.ab.ca/what-we-do/grants-and-bursaries/operational-staffing-grant.aspx

Operational Staffing Grant online applications open tomorrow! Intake is from August 1, 9:00 a.m. MT and will be accepted until October 1, 4:30 p.m. MT.

All submissions to the AMA Grants and Bursary Program are made through the Members Only section of the AMA website. Under each Grant or Bursary category, you will find resources to help you complete your application. Specific eligibility criteria and restrictions are listed in the Guidelines for each Grant and Bursary Program category. Required supporting documents are to be uploaded as attachments with your online form.

More details on the Operational Staffing Grant can be found here: https://www.museums.ab.ca/what-we-do/grants-and-bursaries/operational-staffing-grant.aspx

The Grants Program Lead is still available to address questions prior to the grant deadline; however, they will not be able to review full applications. Grant Writing Resources are available in the Members Only section.

If you have any questions about the Grants and Bursary Program please contact Meghan Cardy, Grants Program Lead, at [email protected] or 780.424.2626

09/15/2026

The AMA is currently seeking Individual Members to serve on the Operational Staffing Grants Jury for terms of three years. The deadline to apply is October 5, 2026.

Interested individuals must have an active Individual Membership with the AMA, at least two years' experience in the museum field, and familiarity with best practice standards in the current edition of the 'Standard Practices Handbook for Museums'.

For more information on the process and to find out how you can participate as a Juror: https://www.museums.ab.ca/get-involved/calls-for-participation/call-for-grants-jurors.aspx

09/14/2026

Join Department of Canadian Heritage representatives Shannon Bettles and Amanda Sereda to learn more about the Museums Assistance Program (MAP) components including Collections Management, Access to Heritage, and Indigenous Heritage.

During this free session on September 17, you will receive an overview of the program, including eligible projects and organizations, and application guidelines. There will be an opportunity to ask questions following the presentation.

This webinar will be presented in English and recorded. Registrants will receive a viewing link after the webinar, and the recording will be available for two weeks. Register here: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/kqTQAkwLTbCoSW_EG6wkwQ #/registration

09/14/2026

Online applications open TOMORROW for the Knowledge Development Bursary. This bursary provides financial support to Individual Members of the Alberta Museums Association (AMA) for learning opportunities that will enhance the current phase of their museum careers. Applications are accepted starting at 9:00 a.m. on September 15 to 11:59 p.m. on September 28, 2026.

Applications are processed and evaluated for eligibility in the order in which they are received. For more information on this opportunity: https://www.museums.ab.ca/what-we-do/grants-and-bursaries/knowledge-development-bursary.aspx

09/10/2026

Hatlie Group is a values-based consulting firm with broad experience in all areas of museum practice. They take a holistic, tailored approach and guide you through a process—helping you become more resilient and better able to serve your communities. Visit the Hatlie team at the Day One Trade Show on September 23 to learn how you can work together to take your museum to the next level. Get in touch by visiting: https://hatliegroup.ca/contact/
⁠
On conference Day Two, attendees will hear from museum researcher Susie Wilkening during the Hatlie Group-sponsored keynote, “Museums in a Changing World: Audience Trends, Impact, Trust.” The conversation continues with a thought-provoking panel discussion, “Using Data for Museum Advocacy,” featuring Wilkening, Ken Amaral, Policy and Research Analyst with the Department of Canadian Heritage, and AMA Executive Director / CEO Jennifer Forsyth. The panel will be moderated by Alexandra Hatcher, Partner at Hatlie Group.

09/04/2026

Call for Conference Volunteers!

The AMA is currently seeking volunteers for our upcoming conference, 'The Adaptable Museum: Embracing Creative Stewardship for a Sustainable Future', taking place in Edmonton from September 22 - 24, 2026, at the Wyndham Edmonton Hotel and Conference Centre. The conference also includes an opening event at the Royal Alberta Museum, a closing event at Fort Edmonton Park, and off-site Learning Labs at host sites. Volunteers will receive a complimentary all-inclusive registration, see full volunteer availability requirements and how to apply here:

https://www.museums.ab.ca/get-involved/calls-for-participation/call-for-conference-volunteers.aspx

Priority will be given to emerging museum professionals.