Le Lézard
Subjects: NTA, FVT, CFG

Statement by Minister Joly on International Museum Day


Museum institutions are being celebrated around the world

OTTAWA, May 18, 2018 /CNW/ - International Museum Day, observed today around the world, is the perfect time to celebrate the important role our museums play in communities across Canada.

These places for education and the dissemination of arts, history and science reflect our inclusive society and our pride in its diversity. Many of them allow Canadians to learn about the essential contribution of Indigenous communities to our country's development, thereby contributing to reconciliation efforts.

Our museums keep our heritage alive and put it within reach of current and future generations. In addition, as repositories of reliable information in an age of "fake news," museums play an essential role in informing our reflections and critical thinking.

This year's theme, "Hyperconnected museums: New approaches, new publics", reminds us that our museums are constantly innovating. They offer renewed experiences as they expand their outreach to a changing and ever-growing clientele.

The Government of Canada is committed to supporting heritage institutions across the country. Through various programs and services, it supports the work of some 36,000 employees and 115,000 volunteers who provide us with rewarding cultural experiences.

Canada's museum community is dynamic, creative and well worth discovering. Heritage institutions welcome more than 75 million visitors annually, including nearly 7 million students. In 2015, their websites recorded more than 200 million hits.

As Minister of Canadian Heritage, I encourage all Canadians to take advantage of the wealth of our country's national, regional and local museums, which excel in the art of exhibiting our treasures, telling our stories, and highlighting our talents.

 

SOURCE Canadian Heritage



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