With the holiday season upon us, I wanted to touch base with our membership in advance of the annual office closure from December 20 to January 3rd. I have been at the helm as Executive Director for just over three months and want to thank the ANSM board of directors, our membership, and staff for your continued support as I settle into the role. I consider myself extremely fortunate to be surrounded with a talented and dedicated team as we execute and advance the ANSM mandate on behalf of our membership.
As 2023 comes to a close, I want to highlight a few of the accomplishments the ANSM team achieved, such as the successful development and launch of the TRACK program, the Unlocking Community Museum Collections project that resulted in the ReconciliAction Plan, the development of a new three-year strategic plan, the successful 2023 ANSM Conference in Baddeck, and the vital advocacy work that led to a substantive increase in operational funding from the province. It was a busy year for ANSM, in a time of transition, as we welcomed Alyssa Giles and Daniel MacDonald to the organization, and of course myself as the new Executive Director.
As we look ahead to 2024, we reaffirm our commitment as an organization to provide our services at the highest level, as well as seeking out new opportunities in programming, funding, and training. Upon our return to the office in January, we will be planning in earnest the 2024 ANSM Conference in Lunenburg, initiating the Prescribing Museums project, facilitating the TRACK program, and continuing our advocacy work for the sector.
As mentioned in previous communications, I look forward to hitting the road later in the year and visiting museums and meeting with our membership. Further, I reiterate my invitation for you to reach out to me anytime to discuss your ideas and concerns. We are acutely aware that there remains substantial financial pressures within the sector and will continue to lobby all levels of government for sustainable funding, while seeking out new funding/fundraising opportunities.
Lastly, we want to recognize the dedicated museum workers and volunteers throughout the province, whose passion, expertise, dedication, and efforts contribute monumentally to the unique and diverse cultural landscape of Nova Scotia. Sincerely wishing you a joyous holiday season with family and friends and a happy and successful New Year.
Devin Casario
Executive Director
Association of Nova Scotia Museums