The BC Museums Association :

Founded in 1957, the BCMA is dedicated to the preservation of the natural, cultural, and artistic heritage of British Columbia. It is a provincially incorporated non-profit society and a registered charitable organization, providing a unified voice for approximately 500 non-profit organizations including 245 institutions, trustees, professional staff and independent professionals and volunteers in the museum and gallery community of British Columbia.

Programs & Services


• BC Arts Council Operating Assistance
  Annual awards available to professional public museums and galleries, including the diverse cultures of First Peoples.
  
  
• BC Digital Collections Program
  A matching fund initiative to assist in the digital imaging of artifacts & collections to enhance public online access.
  
  
• Communications
  New website, provincial listservs, Member Broadcast email network, toll free telephone accessibility and regional open house receptions.
  
  
• Conference & AGM
  Annual provincial conference to promote information exchange, skills development & discussion on current issues.
  
  
• Inter-Library Loans
  A special collection of resource material is available from the Vancouver Public Library.
  Download a list of the available resources: .doc

• Professional Development
  Regional Workshops, forums and seminars offered throughout the province in partnership with granting organizations and host institutions.
  
  
• Publications
  Introductory training manuals, Basic Museum Studies, Preventive Conservation, Directory of Museums, Galleries & related Organization in BC, Museum Standards.
  
  
• Special Interest Groups
  Your link to Curators, Interpreters and Conservators in BC.
  
  
• Technology Services
  Advisory role on new technologies, digitization, funding programs and regional resources.
  
  
  Benefits of Membership
  
  
• Advisory Service
  Professional advice, referrals, and access to local, regional and national resources.
  
  
• Advocacy
  Represents interests and concerns of members to provincial, local and national governments, associations and the general public.
  
  
• Awards Program
  New Museums in Motion award to recognize achievement by institutions, individuals, and corporate supporters.
  
  
• Bursary Program
  Growing program of annual assistance including the Barrie Hardcastle Bursary, Joe Nagel Technology Bursary, and small museums travel assistance for Conference.
  
  
• Highway Signage
  Promotional assistance for institutional members in collaboration with the Ministry of Transport.
  
  
• Quarterly "Museums Roundup" Magazine
  Direct-mailed or online
  
  
• Small Museums Initiatives
  In partnership with granting institutions, assistance in project management, grant writing, and consultation.
  
  If you would like to more information on Membership please contact the BCMA at Members@Museumsassn.bc.ca. or contact directly at 250-356-5700.