April 12, 2018
Edmonton, Alberta …
The Alberta Museums Association (AMA), and the Coalition of Museums for Climate Justice (CMCJ), in partnership with Shadow Light Productions, are excited to announce the launch of a new video – “Museums and the Climate Challenge.”
This video is the first in a three-part series that will raise awareness of this vital issue and support the global museum community in taking an active role in the fight against climate change. It shares real-life examples of ideas, programs, and services aimed at or implemented by museums regarding climate change or the environment. These practical ideas solidify the concept of museums as agents of change and places of engagement within their communities. With the ideas and tools provided in this video, museums will be able to make changes and engage in a broader dialogue with their communities around these important issues.
We are thrilled to release this video and provide pragmatic tools and ideas that can be integrated into museums across Alberta and beyond” says Meaghan Patterson, Alberta Museums Association Executive Director / CEO. “The video series aligns with our belief that museums are agents of social change and should be actively creating spaces where dialogue, contemplation, and critical thought about society’s pressing issues can occur. This video, and those that follow, will help spark those dialogues.
Robert R. Janes, the Founder and Co-Chair of the Coalition of Museums for Climate Justice, notes:
As deeply trusted, knowledge-based social institutions, museums of all kinds are ideally placed to foster individual and community participation in the quest for workable solutions to our global problems – including climate change. This video, and ones to follow, will help point the way. The AMA’s courage and commitment have been instrumental in the collaborative production of this video, as have been the creative contributions of Shadow Light Productions.
In a time of increased concern with environmental sustainability, museums can encourage communities to examine how they interact with and care for the environment. With the information provided in these educational videos, museums across Alberta will be equipped to engage in a broader dialogue with their communities and inspire people to take action to combat climate change and build a more sustainable future.
Background
The Alberta Museums Association provides a variety of programs and services to over 500 museums and museum professionals across Alberta. Through its focus on community engagement, social responsibility, and sustainability, the AMA utilizes its funding, accreditation, awards, and professional development opportunities to help institutions affect real social and environmental change in their communities. The AMA believes that museums can leverage their positions as trusted institutions to encourage respectful dialogue, provide educational opportunities, and bring awareness to some of society’s most pressing issues.
The Coalition of Museums for Climate Justice mobilizes and supports Canadian museum workers and their organizations in building public awareness, mitigation and resilience to address climate change. The Coalition welcomes participation from people who are employed within Canadian museums and other cultural institutions, along with those who work in support of museums in Canada and around the world, including board members, volunteers, consultants, students, scholars and public servants.
Shadow Light Productions Ltd was established with lead partners, Doug Latimer and Rachel Gauk in 2003 to produce commercial and educational content, documentaries and Public Service Announcements for television and clientele. SLP are also specialists in creating and coordinating large scale video projects (like their Raising Our Healthy Kids collection of over 70 short, snappy English and French health-based videos, in collaboration with Alberta Health Services and the Dietitians of Canada, airing on CTV).
For more information, please contact:
Meaghan Patterson
Executive Director / CEO
Alberta Museums Association
780.424.2626 x.231
mpatterson@museums.ab.ca
Robert R. Janes
Founder and Co-Chair
Coalition of Museums for Climate Justice
Canmore, Alberta
403.678.2117
r.pjanes@telus.net
