Manitoba Crafts Museum and Li

brary
Hub for Craft Project

Organizational Profile

VISION: To inspire engagement wit

h the art of craft

MISSION: Providing resources and

a meeting place connecting people
to craft
MANDATE: To collect, preserve
and present historical and contem
cultural mosaic of Manitoba porary crafts within the

CORE VALUES: Respecting the han

d made
Fostering excellence
Sharing knowledge
Encouraging Participation
Ensuring Transparency

Brief History of the Manitoba Cra

fts Museum and Library

Dedicated to preserving the heritag

e, teaching the student, inspirin
way of life that values the hand-m g the artist, and promoting a
ade, the Manitoba Crafts Museu
the early years of the Crafts Guild m and Library has its origin in
of Manitoba. The Guild was form
the Canadian Handicrafts Guild, and ed in 1928 as a branch of
in 1933 that group established a
craft artifacts. Over the years, vol Permanent Collection of
unteers worked to develop the mu
exhibits, establish and deliver pro seum collection, create
gramming, and to care for the coll
museum standards. ecti on according to

The Guild also established, in the

early 1930s, a Library of craft pub
use in workshops and by craftspeopl lications and patterns for
e. The Library grew steadily ove
was named the Gladys Chown Me r the years, and in 1948
morial Library in memory of a Pre
while in office. In the early 1990s side nt of the Guild who died
volunteers worked to institute esta
and to develop the library into a mo blis hed library procedures
re comprehensive resource.

In 1997 the Crafts Guild of Manito

ba closed its doors, but the two
together and were managed ther collections were kept
eafter by an independent organiz
Museum and Library. ation, the Manitoba Crafts
 Our Current Status

The Manitoba Crafts Museum and

Library (MCML) is the only museu
exclusively to craft and its curren m in Canada devoted
t and historical importance to Can
collect, preserve and present hist adians. Its mandate is to
orical and contemporary crafts
Manitoba. within the cultural mosaic of

MCML is a repository of a wealth

of information and expertise on
of all forms of craft. Through its the practice and preservation
artifact and book collection, pre
programs and educational out serv ation, exhibitions, public
reach, MCML increases community
artistic and social role of craft in appreciation of the unique
current and traditional society.

The Manitoba Crafts Museum

and Library was incorporated as
2001 and is administered by a vol a not-for-profit corporation in
unteer Board of Directors and a
curator. half-time professional

With over 10,000 artifacts in its

collection, the Museum is a lega
tools originating primarily in Ma cy of traditional handicrafts and
nitoba. In addition to the materia
body, the Crafts Guild of Manito l history of MCML’s parent
ba, the collection represents the
artists and the variety of craft rich history of Manitoba crafts
traditions brought to Canada by
world. immigrants from around the

The Library holds over 3,500

contemporary and historical boo
scrapbooks and craft patterns. ks and hundreds of magazines,
It is a unique resource for the
It is a lending library for MCML craft artist, historian, and teacher
members, but all visitors can use .
offer Inter-Library Loan to libr the library on site, and we
aries across Canada.

With their exclusive focus on

traditional and contemporary han
Library collections together form dcrafts, the Museum and
the only organization of its kind
in Canada.
 Programs and Services

The Manitoba Crafts Museum

and Library manages the followi
• Exhibits in the museum gall ng programs and services:
ery and throughout Winnipeg,
contemporary themes, and at with both historical and
least one show yearly that incl
community content udes substantial
• Public programs, education
al school visits and tours, craft
outreach activities workshops and other
• Participant in broader com
munity events such as Festival
International Women’s Day, Ma du Voyageur. Doors Open,
nitoba Fibre Festival, Culture Day
Gardening Saturday. s and Nuit Blanche, and
• Museum collections databa
se with catalogue information,
finding aids digital images, locations and
• A library and research faci
lity to engage students and cra
• The book holdings of the libr ftspeople
ary fully computerized and ava
AMICUS, and available for loan ilable on-line through
outside of Winnipeg via Inter-L
• A website (www.mcml.cal) ibrary Loan
and a Virtual Exhibit on the Vir
website (www.virtualmuseum tual Museum of Canada
.ca)
• Facebook, Twitter, Instag
ram and Pinterest pages
• Gift shop featuring the wor
k of local craft artists
• Central resource for craft
information
• A membership program tha
t offers borrowing privileges in
newsletter, invitations to exhibit the library, a regular
openings, reduced rates to pro
AGM and discounts at severa gramming, a vote at the
l local craft stores.
• Sales events for craftspeop
le, such as the annual Artisans
Market
Our Resources

The MCML operates on an ann

ual budget of approximately $60
committed to maintaining a bal ,000. The Board of Directors is
anced budget. The Museum sus
fund at the Winnipeg Foundatio tains its operations through
n, membership dues, admiss a
of its facility, grants, donations, ion fees, gift shop sales, the rental
and fundraising events. Annual
signature fundraiser Made by fundraising events include the
You, and the Spring and Festive
Artisans Markets.
Volunteers make an essential
contribution to MCML—witho
Over 30 individuals regularly ut them, MCML could not fun
assist with collections work, ction.
administration, library, progra con servation, the website,
mming, financial management
history project and office work. , fundraising, research, the ora
In recent years, volunteers hav l
hours to MCML operations ann e contributed 1,500-2,000
ually.

In 2003 the Manitoba Crafts Mu

seum and Library was accept
Performance Builder Program. ed into the Arts Stabilization
Through this program MCML
specifically financial stability, worked on many issues, but
board development and gov
our guiding principles. The wor ern anc e issues, strategic planning and
k completed under this progra
overall organizational strength. m has assisted greatly with
 Future Plans

Since 2009 MCML has been working on an

Audience Development Initiative with a goal
increase public profile, to attract larger and to
more diverse audiences and to foster MCM
growth and stability. This project has alrea L’s
dy resulted in a revised newsletter, a complete
revamped website (structure, content ly
and look), exhibits that continue to involve
contemporary work, continuing our outdoo
r craft exhibit “Craft on the Loose”, and an activ
social media presence. Through this initia e
tive MCML has increased attendance, membersh
and profile in the community is stronger. ip,

As part of this audience development MCM

L is strengthening relationships with other arts
organizations. MCML has been a co-sponso
r of events held by the Manitoba Craft Cou
MAWA. They held joint events with Daln ncil and
avert, Martha Street Studio, Gallery C103, and
continue with this type of collaboration. plan to
MCML sent a touring exhibit to nine venues
province through the Manitoba Arts Netw in the
ork in 2011 and 2012. And they exhibited
the Buhler Gallery’s recent exhibit Quil quilt s at
ts: Past and Present from October 2011 to Janu
In 2014 MCML worked jointly with the ary 2012.
Manitoba Craft Council to mount a juried exhi
was shown in three galleries in the province. bition that
These shared activities help to strengthen
with individuals and organizations with its place
in the craft and art community.

Due in large part to these efforts, MCML

is now constrained by the physical size of
The organization cannot expand its activities its facility.
unless they move to a larger and more acce
facility. In 2013 a firm decision was mad ssible
e by the Board of Directors and staff to mov
a new and larger space. There is great pote e MCM L to
ntial for MCML to be a centre for craft in
with our museum and library collections Man itoba ,
at the heart of our activities. They expect to
organization to a new location during early move the
2016.
 Project Background Information

In September 2003 the Manitoba Crafts Museum and Library

(MCML) moved into its current
home at 1B—183 Kennedy Street. This location was a signifi
cant improvement from the tiny
office space at Academy Road and Ash Street that hous
ed our organization from 1998 to 2003
as we recovered from a devastating water main break
of June 1998.

Over the past thirteen years MCML has re-established and

developed all key museum
functions. We now meet or exceed most of the Associ
ation of Manitoba Museum Standards for
Manitoba Museums.

In 2013 a firm decision was made by the Board of Directo

rs and staff to move MCML to a new
and larger space. Our commitment to growth and deve
lopment since 2003 has resulted in a
situation where our current physical space is now too
small for our activities. We see great
potential for MCML to be a centre for craft in Manitoba
, with our museum and library
collections at the heart of our activities. Research com
pleted in 2013 on craft based
organizations in Canada and abroad has inspired our
goals; Manitoba needs a facility where
people can engage with craft through hands-on
activities, workshops, lectures, exhibits and
events. We expect to move the organization to a
new location during or early 2016.

To make the expansion feasible financially, the Man

itoba Crafts Museum and Library (MCML)
and the Manitoba Craft Council (MCC) are joining force
s to develop the new facility as a “Hub
for Craft” in Manitoba (a permanent name for the
facility will be chosen in early 2016). Located
in an historic building in Winnipeg’s Exchange Distric
t, the 3,025 square foot facility will feature
the best contemporary and historical craft this provin
ce has to offer.

This new facility dedicated to Craft will include:

• a 660 sq foot temporary exhibition gallery that will
host a minimum of six exhibitions
annually
• a 175 sq foot heritage gallery that will be a perm
anent location for exhibits that draw
exclusively from the MCML collection and show
case stories from Manitoba’s rich craft
heritage.
• a programming space for workshops, classes,
and lectures encouraging public
participation
• a hands-on area where visitors can regularly try
new craft techniques, gaining tactile
experiences with craft, and where they can take som
ething home that they have made.
• a high density storage facility for the MCML’s
craft collection and archival holdings
• a library/reading room inviting public engagem
ent with 3,500+ books, patterns and
journals
• a retail shop featuring Manitoban Craft, ideal
for visitors to the province and a local
audience
• functional spaces including administrative offices
, general storage, kitchen facilities and
accessible wash rooms
 6
Planning Process 2013-2015
As soon as the MCML Board of
Directors formally decided to
staff and volunteers began to wor move the organization, MCML
k through a series of stages
to a new facility. Preparation to prepare and plan for the move
and planning completed to dat
e includes:
1. Operational Planning includ
ed research, focus groups, interv
polls, and the preparation of iews, member and non-member
a Site Needs Assessment. We also
subsequent 18-24 months has developed a plan for the
charted our path to success for
the move project as a whole.
2. Curatorial Preparation inc
luded inventory, condition ass
fragile items from the museu essment, and packing of the mo
m collection, and developing st
holdings. We also worked on a packing strategy for the library
developing plans for the exhibi
storage area for the museum col t space and exhibit topics, the
lection, museum collection wo
layout with consideration for rkspace planning, the library
staff, volunteers and users, and
options for both collections. res earch on mobile storage

3. Facility Selection & Evaluatio

n portion of the overall move
involved a process to view pot project is still in progress and has
ential facilities, evaluate these
and quantitative evaluation internally, to conduct an object
of short list sites to determine ive
and Operating Business Plan. sui tability, and to develop a Cap
We anticipate this phase to ital
be completed by late summer
2015.
Preparation and planning still
to complete includes:
Fundraising and Grant Writin
g to be completed through
Fundraising includes forma
—

April 2016
l grant applications to public
drive to our members and sup and private programs, a fundra
porters and corporate sponso ising
rship.
A Visitor Experience and Interp
retive Plan to be completed
This component includes
—
June 2015 to April 2016
consolidating our current
documents that accurately programming procedures,
describe our programming preparing
researching the demograph ethos and services, a staff
ics of our new neighbourhoo manual,
and preparing for the expans d, evaluating our school progra
ion of our hands-on area. mmes,

Packing and Collections Planni

ng to be completed Januar
A Museum Assistant was hir
—

y March 2016
-

ed in January to complete the

and library, and also to ass packing of the museum collec
ist with the final configuratio tion
include high density storag n of the new storage area, which
e. will

Exhibition Program Developm

ent Project to be completed
This work will include evalua
—
summer 2016
ting our current exhibition pro
and specifications of the new gram and adapting it to the nee
exhibit gallery. Work will inc ds
new facility, research on add lude installing the first exhibits
itional future exhibits, and pre in the
task lists to assist with future paring procedures, timelines
exhibitions. and
 Hub for Craft Project Phase One
To complete the necessary work to move
MCML from our current home to a new facil
ensure the space is renovated to our nee ity,
ds, to ensure work to establish MCML in
home is complete. our new

Overview Hub for Craft Project

-

Implementing the move of the Manito

ba Crafts Museum and Library to a new
completed in three phases from late 2015 facility will be
through 2017.

Phase One: Move, New Shelving & Leas

ehold improvements
September 2015 to August 2016
Our initial needs for the move are to com
plete necessary leasehold improvements,
new museum storage and library shelv purchase
ing, produce updated marketing docum
time Museum Assistant, and purchase ents, hire a part-
some packing materials and have a pro
company move the collections and our fess ional moving
equipment.

Phase Two: Marketing, Additional Leas

ehold Improvements and Furniture
September 2016 to summer 2017
Once installed in the new space, it is very
likely that we will require some additio
improvements. We also anticipate req nal leasehold
uiring new furniture and equipment for
programming purposes, and administrat the library, public
ion, additional marketing documents and
exterior signage. The staffing for the products, and
Assistant Curator position will continue
exhibitions and public programming with work on the
a priority.

Phase Three: Environmental Equipment

Fall 2017
The museum collection requires regulat
ed temperature and relative humidity to
term preservation. Environmental uni ensure its long
ts can be purchased to regulate the con
spaces such as museum storage areas. diti ons in small
If logistically and financially possible we
a system that would also benefit the exhi would consider
bit areas, to enable us to borrow arti
exhibitions from institutions that require fact s and
certain environmental standards.

Goals Hub for Craft Project Phase One

-

A. To complete leasehold improveme

nts to our new site
MCML is applying to the Community
Incentive Grant Program to contribute
component of the overall project. to this
B. To purchase new museum storage
shelving and library shelving to house
collections our two core
C. To hire a Museum Assistant to assist
0. To move the museum collections and
equipment safely
E. To update marketing and business
documents
F. To evaluate this project
 Implementation - Hub for Craft Project Phase One

A. To complete leasehold improvements to our new site

MCML is applying to the Community Incentive Grant Progra
m to contribute to this component
of the overall project.

MCML has signed a lease, jointly with MCC, for a 3,025sq

foot space at 329 Cumberland Street.

Republic Architecture was selected to prepare the drawin

gs for the space and determine the
specifications list to send to contractors. The drawings and
the spec sheet are included in the
attachments, and provide details regarding the scope of
work.

Note: Information about the other components of the

project is supplied here to provide a full
overview of the entire project.

B. To purchase new museum high density shelving for

storage and new library shelving to house
our two core collections

High Density Museum Storage Shelving

Currently the museum storage occupies just under
400 square feet and has high quality metal
framed shelving with a mix of metal/MDF shelves, drawer
s, and a rack for storing large rolled
textiles. When MCML moved to our current location
in 2003 the storage area was expanded
significantly, but after over ten years of collections acquis
itions the shelving is almost full. As
part of our mandate to collect and preserve historical
and contemporary craft we must have
the ability to accept items and to safely store them.
The current storage area shelving will not
allow substantial growth.

One goal for this project is to expand the capacity of

the storage through the use of high
density mobile shelving. This type of shelving includes
a track system on which the shelving is
rolled to allow access to one row at a time. We are
also adding a second textile rack. All the
existing shelving will be incorporated into the new
high density mobile storage system.

At a minimum we would like to maintain the footprint

of the storage, but expand the capacity
through the implementation of mobile storage. One
extra row of shelving plus the new quilt
rack would represent approx 50% increase in storage
capacity. Ideally we would like to expand
the storage by a second additional row, which would
be approx 90% increase in storage
capacity.

Library Shelving
With the exception of three newer, but mismatched,
shelves acquired in 1988 and 2003, most
of the existing library shelving is older wooden units,
dating to the 1940s or 1950s. Some was
likely made by volunteers of the former Crafts Guild
of Manitoba. The shelving looks old and
worn, and is in early states of disrepair.
 New shelving would improve the visual appeal of the library
, be safer for our visitors (shelves
and books have been known to fall out of the current units),
more flexible and functional, and
would hold more books.

New library shelving would also allow us to reduce the movin

g expenses because the existing
library shelves would be discarded prior to a move.

C. To hire a Museum Assistant

Currently, MCML is staffed by a part time Curator who works
three days per week. Usually
there is a part time student during the school year who works
8-10 hours, and a full time
student is employed during the summer months. Volunteers
contribute 1,400 2,000 hours to
—

MCML each year.

During the busy move period a second part time employee

would be invaluable to assist with
collections care, packing/unpacking, planning for exhibitions,
planning for public programming,
planning for the opening, logistics with renovations and
establishing operations, assisting with
on-going communication with our members, visitors, social
media followers and others, and
working with volunteers.

MCML expects to hire a part time Museum Assistant for

21 hours (3 days) per week, for 12
months, to provide assistance in all areas of operations
as required. This person would report
to the Curator.

D. To move the museum collections and equipment safely

This component will include some packing materials and
the professional moving company to
physically move all the museum collection, library collect
ion and equipment.

E. To update marketing and business documents

As part of the overall move process, MCML will require

new letterhead, envelopes and business
cards, and new brochures and marketing documents.
During Phase One we will purchase the
new letterhead etc. and prepare some brochures. Marke
ting documents will be a more
significant portion of Phase Two, and will include brochu
res, lure cards, membership and
fundraising documents, and exterior signage.

F. To evaluate this project.

The Board of Directors, the Move Steering Committee

and the Museum Curator will be
constantly evaluating the progress of the Hub for Craft
Project. The focus of the Phase Two
goals will emerge during the early part of Phase One as we
move into the space and determine
work yet to be done.
Evaluation at the conclusion of Phase One, and through
Phase Two, will determine work to be
completed during Phase Three.
 10

Timeline Hub for Craft Project Phase One

-

Leasehold Improvements: February to April 2016

New Shelving Purchase and Installation: April 2016

Hiring Museum Assistant: January to May 2016

Physical Moving Activities: April 2016

Producing Marketing Documents: March — September 2016

Evaluation: An interim evaluation will occur in mid 2016

as we plan for Phase II. A complete
evaluation will occur in summer 2016 when the project
is complete
 II

Need for the Project — Move and Expansion Project Phase One

There is no central facility in Winnipeg to support craft in our community. But there
is a need
for this as evidenced through a series of focus groups held by MCML in November
2013. These
confirmed the desire to strengthen the craft community through an expanded MCML
and also
assisted us to identify our space needs in the new space.

The following are excerpts from the Space Needs Report — full document is in attachments.

1. Exhibition Spaces

a. Exhibition Scope: All participants stated the need for the MCML to raise its profile
by regularly presenting a balanced exhibition program including contemporary and
historical exhibitions.
b. Contemporary Exhibitions: It was clearly stated that the MCML should have the
capability to present major contemporary craft exhibitions which could be group
shows or significant solo retrospectives.
c. Historical! Permanent Collection Exhibitions: It was also felt that given the
substance of the MCML collections, that a smaller space dedicated to works from
the collection should be provided, and that exhibitions from the collection could
be
organized to complement the contemporary presentation.
d. Library integration with Exhibitions: The library should be in a dedicated quiet
space. I was also felt that relevant rare works from the library might be part
of
specific exhibitions. Reference selections should be available for the visitor
s to
consult. The opportunity to link the art, library and archival resources from
on
institutional collection is rare.
e. Borrowed Exhibitions: The respondents also wanted the MCML to be able
to receive
exhibitions and loans from other institutions, such as the Textile Museu of
m Canada
and Canadian Museum of History, and certainly Craft Councils from other
provinces.
f. Touring Exhibitions: With the substance of the MCML collection, the partici
pants
would like to be able to tour MCML exhibitions around Manitoba and
to other parts
of Canada.
g. Partnered Exhibitions: Partnering with other organizations for exhibitions and
programming was unanimously desired by all who were consulted. Such
partnerships might include the Manitoba Craft Council, the Winnipeg Embro
iderers’
Guild, knitting groups, and other craft specific groups and associations.

2. Collection Development and Storage

The unique nature of the collection of the MCML was brought up freque
ntly. It was felt,
however, that with greater storage space and exhibition facilities that the
collection focus
should be on increasing the contemporary holdings and should represe
nt more fully the
cultural diversity and immigrants of and to the region and include the
crafts and traditions
of the cultural make-up of Winnipeg.
 12

3. Workshop Spaces

There was considerable discussion about the value of hands-on progra

mming and
workshops and the need for dedicated workshop spaces without interru
pting exhibitions or
research spaces. Focus group participants felt the MCML should be,
and could be, a ‘vibrant
hub’ for craft in Winnipeg and Manitoba. One ‘dry’ space and one ‘wet’
space are
necessary.

a. Dry Space: Clean dry space is needed for many textile crafts. This workin
g space
should:
• accommodate up to 15 people
• have tables affording ample work space as people will have looms,
bags of
material and other tools with them

b. Wet Space: This is needed for a number of craft techniques includ

ing textile dyeing
and paper marbling. The wet space should have:
• two sinks
• a stovetop and oven
• good ventilation

c. Children’s Classes & Workshops are desired ongoing progra

mming. It was felt
various media could be featured in classes and/or family days.

d. School Programming was noted as an area where the MCML

could expand its work.
Currently the MCML offers in-school programs but would like to
be able to provide
exhibition tours and accompanying hands-on activities.

e. Dye Garden: One group talked specifically about the desirability

to have a dye
garden with plants which would excite the coming generation.

4. Multi-Purpose Space

The need for a flexible multi-purpose space which would provid

e revenues for the MCML
and provide opportunities for greater community connections
was cited, including:
• Rental Space to craft and community organizations for meetin
—
gs, lectures
and special events.
• Space for the MCML to develop courses for public interest and
engagement.
• Kitchen facilities will be required to service this rental and progra
mming
space
 13

5. Artist-in-Residence

Participants expressed the desire to be able to develop an artist-in-residence progra

m
modeled along that of Mentoring Artists for Women’s Artists or the program at
Harbourfront Centre in Toronto, which would:
• give audiences opportunities to see an artist at work and to understand
particular ways of making craft
• enhance a particular solo exhibition
• enable the artist to work at the museum and have public interaction

6. Shop

The Shop as an outlet for Manitoba craftspeople was seen as a very important part
of the
operation and service of the MCML. The MCML shop should:
• Be in a dedicated space
• Tie its merchandise into the mandate and specific exhibitions and artists-
in-
residence program of MCML
• Serve to highlight craftspeople
• Become an important source of revenue for the artists and MCML.

7. Public Service and Staff Space

Public service areas are critically important to operations and include: Coat
Room,
Wash rooms, Reception and Refreshment service.

8. Preparation Space, Receiving Space and Loading Bay

As noted above, these spaces are critically necessary for receiving exhibitions,
loans and for
preparing exhibitions.

9. Security
Security for people and art must be paramount, during both open and closed
hours.
 13

How the Project will Strengthen MCML

In a larger facility, MCML will have the capacity to undertake more involved exhibits and public
programs, engage in collaborations with other arts organizations, and be part of the centre for
craft the Manitoba needs. We anticipate that all the goals from the Space Needs Assessment,
with the exception of the dye garden will be achieved in whole or in part.

The partnership with the Manitoba Craft Council to share the space will allow both
organizations to grow and expand, to collaborate on exhibits, programming, the retail
component and other service, and to present one strong facility for craft to our communities
.
By sharing the expenses, we can increase the amount of space available, and be more efficient
in our operations.

Artistic Creation, Production and Presentation

The new facility for MCML will greatly impact on our capacity to display craft. There is curren
tly
no space in Winnipeg that is dedicated to craft and contemporary craft artists in particu
lar are
in need of a good venue for exhibit. Through a move and expansion MCML, and throug the
h
partnership with MCC, we will be able to provide this type of venue.

Exhibition and Preservation of Heritage Collections

The MCML museum collection will have a dedicated space for display, regardless of other
exhibitions happening in the temporary gallery. This will allow MCML to showcase topics
such
as the history of the Crafts Guild of Manitoba, craft during WWI and WWll in Manitoba,
the role
of the community of Sifton Manitoba in craft through the Sifton Spinning Wheel and
the Mary
Maxim knitting company, both originating in Sifton, the history of former craftspeople
such as
Leo Mol, Kitty Churchill, Gladys Chown, and others who shaped craft in Manitoba.

The MCML collection will reside in a fantastic storage facility, fitted with high density mobile
shelving, which allows for access and has room for growth, but is also compact and uses
the
MCML space resources very efficiently.

Audience
The MCML audience will experience a display area for temporary exhibits that change six
times
yearly (three MCC exhibits and three MCML exhibits) and a permanent display area for
the
history of craft in Manitoba.

There will also be a public programming space for workshops, classes, lectures and other
events
that allow visitors to engage with craft. This too will be shared with MCC.

The facility will also include a hands-on area where visitors can engage directly with making
craft. This space will include looms and workspace for visitors to try a continually changing
selection of craft media. One month it might be an embroidery activity, the next paper
quilling,
and then an activity related to International Women’s Day. The area will change regularly
so
there is always a new activity to try.
 15

Artists
Manitoba craft artists will have a display area that is dedicated only to craft media. With the
involvement of the Manitoba Craft Council in the space, the gallery will host three guaranteed
contemporary exhibits yearly.

The facility will also have a retail component, operated jointly by MCML and MCC, with the bulk
of the stock representing work by local Manitoba craft artists. Currently there is no central
place to purchase craft art in Winnipeg, and our joint retail operation will seek to provide a
sales opportunity to local artists. Some stock will also include items related to the MCML
collection such as posters, gift cards, t-shirts and other items with images from the MCML
collection.

Staff
The MCML staff will have a larger facility that will allow for greater presentation of content and
enhance ability to preserve the permanent collection.
 16

Capacity increase
When the Manitoba Crafts Museum and Library is operating from a larger, more accessible,
more central and more visible facility we anticipate the following benefits to our organization,
and our visitors, members and the broader community.

Quantitative improvements
In the current facility, the 600 sq foot public space exhibit space holds the exhibit space, the
library, programming area, the gift shop and the entrance. In the new facility 1707 sq feet will
be devoted to these public functions, a 183% increase.

The new facility will be able to host exhibitions that are larger (2-3 times the content) and in a
space that is exclusively for exhibitions. There will be a separate and distinct public
programming space.

The storage area will increase in size from 380 sq feet to 430, but most importantly it will
increase in density through the use of high density storage that moves on rails. The capacity of
the space will increase by 49% overall. This will allow for growth of the collection for at least 15
years of collecting.

Qualitative improvements
• Exhibits in the expanded facility will include a permanent heritage gallery for exhibits
that draw largely from the museum collection. These will feature exhibits about craft in
Winnipeg and Manitoba and will change every 12-18 months.
• Exhibits in the temporary gallery may include individual and group shows from
craftspeople in the community, student work, displays of cultural pieces from some of
the many ethnic communities present in Manitoba, work by member of craft groups,
and professional craftspeople. Exhibits in the temporary gallery will change six times
yearly.
• The facility will be a central physical venue for craft organizations to exhibit, provide
public programming and workshops, to meet for special events and gatherings, to host
meetings and to share ideas. This is not currently available in Winnipeg.
• MCML will be in closer proximity to other arts and cultural organizations, which should
enable us to share expertise and audiences, collaborate for programming and events,
and be part of initiatives such as First Fridays and Culture Days.
• The larger storage area for the museum collection will allow for more efficient storage,
but also for the ability to acquire more historic and contemporary work that reflects the
craft heritage of Winnipeg and Manitoba residents.
• The facility will be barrier free for all to enjoy.
• There will be a dedicated space for structured public programming, such as workshops,
classes, lectures, and round table events, as well as for informal drop in sessions.
• MCML will be able to offer increased programming and services to Aboriginal and
newcomer populations, children and youth at risk, and other underserviced populations,
many of which live in our immediate neighbourhood.
 17

• We fully recognize the medical value of craft for those healing from both physical
ailments and mental health illness, and patients suffering from Alzheimer’s, persons
with ADHD, and other health issues. Although we cannot meet the needs of all these
parts of society, we do anticipate some inclusion of the health benefits of craft as we
develop our programming.
• The therapeutic value of craft is important to those who knit, quilt, whittle wood, throw
pots or engage in craft in their leisure time. Engaging with craft reduces blood pressure,
combats stress and provides physical and mental benefits.
• We will have opportunities for inter-generational activities for families.
• Craft connects with many segments of the grades K to 12 curriculum, including history,
science, mathematics, art, art history, and general literacy. In an expanded facility
MCML could host a class visit that might include a visit to the exhibit and a hands-on
activity.
• We can offer more support to students at the post-secondary level who are studying
fine art, art history, women’s history, Manitoba social history, material culture, and
health and weliness.
• In a new space, MCML will require a larger volunteer core, providing various types of
meaningful volunteer opportunities to retirees, students, people with disabilities, and
others in the community who seek to make a difference in society or gain employment
skills.
• Students will continue receive quality work experiences either as summer staff or
through various internship style programs.
• We expect to provide a sales venue for craft artists. For many years there has been no
central place for buyers to acquire hand crafted Manitoba work, other than the internet.
The gift shop planned for MCML will include selling work on consignment from the craft
community.
• A craft facility will help to address the issue of unplugging from technology.
 18

How the Project will provide community benefit to Winnipeg and Manitoba

An expanded MCML will allow more people in our community to engage directly with craft,
from craft artists, artists in other disciplines, casual crafters, new corners, Aboriginal audiences,
children and youth, those with physical and mental health issues, to visitors to our Province.
Current Audience

The Manitoba Crafts Museum and Library has a wide and diverse audience which includes
• craftspeople and artists, former members of the Crafts Guild of Manitoba, and current
members of the Manitoba Craft Council, other craft guilds and organizations in the province
• students and researchers of Canadian social and material history, women’s studies, fine art,
and craft
• elementary, junior, middle and high school student groups, day cares and summer camps
• seniors groups, service clubs and children’s clubs such as the Rotary Club and Girl Guides
• members of the general public men, women and children of all ages
-

• Geographically our visitors are from Winnipeg, other parts of Manitoba, other parts of
Canada, the United States and other international origins.
• As our facility grows we anticipate that our audience will also diversify. We anticipate
offering more programming for youth, new immigrants, Aboriginal audiences and artists.

Past Visitation
Year On-site Off-Site Events Total

2015 751 887 1638

2014 686 1178 1854
2013 873 1043 1916
2012 865 995 1860
2011 888 970 1858
2010 774 884 1658
2009 658 943 1601
2008 793 1124 1817
2007 736 700 1436

The local community at 329 Cumberland is comprised of several components.

1. The space is a block outside of the Exchange District, but close enough to be part of the
neighbourhood of varied arts organizations with which we will partner for programming,
exhibitions, and events such as First Fridays
2. The downtown in general is home to a growing population of young professionals who
are generally inclined to participate in culture.
3. The space is located in the Central Park Neighbourhood. According to 2006 Census data
the population is over 50% visible minority, with over 25 languages spoken (other than
English or French). About 25% are new to Canada since 2000. There is also a sizeable
Aboriginal population of over 20%. These audiences will be a significant part of our
programming.
 19

We are currently researching our new neighbourhood, and will be conducting a focus group in
March with many community stake holders. Our goal is to learn their needs with regard to
craft programming, and how we can offer programming that is true to our craft mandate, but
might also achieve success with youth at risk, integration of new Canadians (including building
contacts and references, language skills, and community connections>, school programming for
K-12 students, and cultural sharing.
 20

Community Involvement

Move Steering Committee

For this project we anticipate that the Move Steering Committee wilt contribute 200 300 -

hours. Specifically this will involve overseeing the leasehold improvements, preparing
marketing documents, assisting with the hiring of a Museum Assistant, and communicating to
MCML members.

The Board of Directors is a working board of seven to ten volunteers who have taken on the
responsibilities of managing the Manitoba Crafts Museum and Library. The board members are
all volunteers who represent a wide variety of backgrounds and experience, including
accounting, financial management, human resources planning, health care, retail, legal, and
archival and museum work. All share a passion for craft and are dedicated to the preservation
and promotion of the unique collections. They contribute significantly to the overall human
resources capacity of MCML.

The Museum Curator, currently a part time position, manages the museum and library on a
daily basis. The Curator is responsible for: collections care and management, supervising staff
and volunteers, performing administrative, fundraising and promotional functions, preparing
exhibits, and planning events and programs. She has a Master of Museum Studies from the
University of Toronto, so can provide excellent museum technical skills. She currently teaches
the Collections Management (since 1997) and the Organizing and Managing Museums (since
2013 ) courses offered through the Association of Manitoba Museums.

The volunteers are an essential part of the Manitoba Crafts Museum and Library. Over 40
individuals regularly assist with collections work, conservation, the website, administration,
library, programming, financial management, fund-raising, research, oral history project, and
office work. Recently these volunteers have contributed 1,400 to 2,000 hours each year.
In recognition of all the volunteer efforts since the museum and library were established in the
1930s, the Manitoba Crafts Museum and Library Volunteers received the 2001 Prix Manitoba
Award for Heritage in the Distinguished Service Volunteer Organization category from the
-

Manitoba Department of Culture, Heritage and Tourism.

The Manitoba Craft Council is a significant partner in our future. As a co-lease holder, they are
integral to the project, and will be contributing financially, with staff and volunteer resources,
and in terms of ongoing exhibitions and programming in the space.

Museum Members
Many of the Manitoba Crafts Museum and Library members will be involved as volunteers,
likely with packing, unpacking and setting up the space.

Community Partners
MCML wilt actively be seeking collaborations and partnerships wtth local galleries in the
Exchange District, MAWA, and community groups such as the Manitoba Prairie Quitters,
Manitoba Weavers and Fibre Artists, Winnipeg Embroiderers Guild and other craft group
 21

regarding their potential formal or informal involvement in the new MCML space. We also
hope to engage with other museums and arts organizations outside of our immediate
neighbourhood. Our goal to be a centre for craft includes working formally or informally with
those groups who wish to be involved, and to be able to provide space on a casual basis for
workshops or other gatherings.

Craft Artists
MCML also seeks to have an exhibit space for the contemporary craft community. These
exhibits could be juried shows, group shows, displays of student work, or exhibits of individual
craftspeople. To ensure that the exhibit space meets the needs of this community, we will be
seeking input in advance. There will also be a retail operation for craft artists to sell their work.
 22

Evaluation

Specific Outcomes Move and Expansion Project Phase One

—

For the project specifically, we will know we have been successful when we can claim the
following accomplishments:

A.
The Manitoba Crafts Museum and Library has completed the necessary leasehold
improvements that will allow us to occupy the space. This will include flooring, painting, a
separate area for the museum storage, office space, an exhibition gallery and programming
space, and lighting.

B.
The capacity of the museum storage has been increased by a minimum of 50% through the
purchase of high density mobile shelving.
The capacity of the library shelving has been increased through new metal shelving that is also
safe for all to use and visually pleasing.

C.
We have hired a Museum Assistantr who worked from December 2015 to May 2016 on the
move process, but also on establishing MCML in the new facility, working towards exhibitions
and public programming, marketing tasks and communicating with visitors and members.

D.
We have successfully moved the MCML collection and other equipment into the new facility.

E.
We have updated our basic marketing documents including letterhead, envelopes, and business
cards, and produced some new brochures.

F.
We have evaluated the project in terms of achieving our goals, but also in terms of establishing
firm goals for Phase two and Phase three.
 23

Future Phases of the Hub for Craft Project

Phase Two: Marketing, Additional Leasehold Improvements and Furniture

September 2016 to summer 2017
Once installed in the new space, it is very likely that we will require some additional leasehold
improvements. We also anticipate requiring new furniture and equipment for the library, public
programming purposes, and administration, additional marketing documents and products, and
exterior signage. The staffing for the Assistant Curator position will continue with work on the
exhibitions and public programming a priority.

Phase Three: Environmental Equipment

Fall 2017
The museum collection requires regulated temperature and relative humidity to ensure its long
term preservation. Environmental units can be purchased to regulate the conditions in small
spaces such as museum storage areas. If logistically and financially possible we would consider
a system that would also benefit the exhibit areas, to enable us to borrow artifacts and
exhibitions from institutions that require certain environmental standards.

Ongoing Financial Resources

Most of the project components are one-time expenses that will not require on-going
maintenance.

The board of directors if very mindful of the need to be sustainable in operating expenses and
revenues. The space we are currently considering is only $4,000 $5,000 more costly annually
-

for rent than our current space, which is a realistic increase in our operating budget. We feel
that this increase in cost can be off-set by an increase in membership fees, admission fees,
programming fees and donations that would result through an increase in attendance.

A Move Business Plan, with projected operating budgets for 2016-2018 is included.
 24

Project Budget
Hub for Craft Project
Leasehold Improvement Component

Expenses

Leasehold Improvements
$180,000
PST $14,400
GST $9,000
Total $203,400

Revenue

Winnipeg Foundation $60,000*

Community Places $40,000
Community Incentives $50,000
MLCC Grant $14,000
MCML Funding $5,000*
MCC Funding $5,000*
Member and Supporter Donations $5,000*
Member and Supporter Donations $5,000
Private Fundraising $10,000
Corporate Support $10,000
Total $204,000

*
Confirmed Funding