Save the Date
2024 Craft’s Future: The CCF/FCMA National Symposium for Transformation and Innovation
Save the date for the Craft’s Future: The CCF/FCMA National Symposium on Transformation and Innovation, hosted by the Canadian Crafts Federation on January 12, 19, 26 & February 2, 2024. As a tribute to Robert’s life and legacy, we are hosting a special commemoration as part of the Robert Jekyll Awards on Friday, January 12, 2024.
This online symposium is a unique opportunity for our members and affiliates to come together and discuss the future of the craft sector in Canada. The symposium includes a 3-hour large group presentation and a series of 2-hour interactive peer-to-peer sessions in the weeks following. Don’t miss this chance to connect with peers, share ideas, and learn about the current needs of the craft sector in Canada.
Craft’s Future
As a tribute to Robert’s life and legacy, we are hosting a special commemoration as part of the Robert Jekyll Awards this Friday, January 12, 2024. This event will be an opportunity for members of the sector and beyond to come together, share memories of Robert, and celebrate his contributions to the craft sector.
This 3-hour main event includes the Robert Jekyll Award for Leadership in Craft ceremony, followed by a presentation by fundraising expert Kyle Empringham, the co-founder & director of The Starfish Canada. Along with an update from the CCF/FCMA and the community favourite rapid-fire “Cross Country Check-in,” where we’ll hear from our members.
Peer-to-Peer Sessions
These 2-hour Peer-to-Peer sessions are framed for craft retail staff, communications staff, and board governance. These are fireside-style opportunities for sector staff to connect with others in similar departments across Canada. CCF/FCMA Craft Council members and affiliate organizations are welcome to invite their staff to any of these interactive sessions. Craft Council and CCF/FCMA board members are invited to the Board Governance Peer-to-Peer Session.
About the CCF/FCMA National Symposium
Craft’s Future: The CCF/FCMA National Symposium on Transformation and Innovation, hosted by the Canadian Crafts Federation, is a unique opportunity for our members and affiliates to come together and discuss the future of the craft sector in Canada.
This online symposium has two parts. The main event is a 3-hour large group presentation, which includes the Robert Jekyll Award for Leadership in Craft, a keynote presentation by fundraising expert Kyle Empringham, co-founder and director for The Starfish Canada, and a cross-country check-in presented by the CCF/FCMA and Craft Council Members. The second part consists of a series of 2-hour interactive peer-to-peer sessions for Craft Council and affiliate organization staff working in retail and communications and for those on the Board of Directors.
Craft’s Future: The National Symposium aims to share ideas, connect peers and familiarize attendees with those doing similar work to support the craft industry. As a federation of organizations, the CCF/FCMA is committed to learning from our members and affiliates about the current needs of the craft sector in Canada.
We acknowledge the support of the Canada Council for the Arts
2024 Craft’s Future: The CCF/FCMA National Symposium for Transformation and Innovation
Contents
Thank you for joining us today!
Craft’s Future: The CCF/FCMA National Symposium on Transformation and Innovation, hosted by the Canadian Crafts Federation, is a unique opportunity for our members and affiliates to come together and discuss the future of the craft sector in Canada.
This online symposium has two parts. The main event is a 3-hour large group presentation, which includes the Robert Jekyll Award for Leadership in Craft, a keynote presentation by fundraising expert Kyle Empringham, co-founder and director for The Starfish Canada, and a cross-country check-in presented by Craft Council Members. As a tribute to Robert’s life and legacy, we are hosting a special commemoration as part of the Robert Jekyll Awards. This event will allow members of the sector and beyond to come together, share memories of Robert, and celebrate his contributions to the craft sector.
The second part of this symposium consists of a series of 2-hour interactive peer-to-peer sessions for Craft Council and affiliate organization staff working in retail and communications and for those on the Board of Directors.
Craft’s Future: The National Symposium aims to share ideas, connect peers and familiarize attendees with those doing similar work to support the craft industry. As a federation of organizations, the CCF/FCMA is committed to learning from our members and affiliates about the current needs of the craft sector in Canada.
Dear members of the Canadian Crafts Federation,
It’s an honour to welcome you to Craft’s Future: CCF/FCMA National Symposium on Transformation and Innovation. This symposium provides us with an unparalleled opportunity to collaborate, share ideas, connect with peers, and learn about the ever-evolving trends and practices in the craft sector across Canada.
As an organization devoted to supporting and promoting Craft from coast to coast to coast, we’re thrilled to host this gathering. The symposium is a fantastic platform to inspire one another and pool resources to tackle the challenges facing the craft sector in Canada. Let us use this event to leverage our collective expertise, share insights, and work collaboratively towards a brighter future for the craft sector in Canada.
Thank you for being with us!
Jennifer Wicks, Executive Director
About the Canadian Crafts Federation
The Canadian Crafts Federation is an organization dedicated to promoting the professional contemporary craft sector in Canada. Our federation comprises various organizations, such as the Provincial and Territorial Craft Councils and affiliate organizations, which collaborate to enrich, empower, and celebrate the craft community.
Our goal is to see a Canadian culture that recognizes fine craft’s artistic, economic, contemporary, historical, and social significance. To achieve this, we advocate for craft and establish connections within the sector. We believe that by uniting Canadian professional craft organizations, we can learn from each other, work together on projects, and strengthen the sector as a whole.
We are proud to advocate for craft with a cross-country perspective, and we believe that by working together, we can achieve great things for the craft community in Canada.
CCF/FCMA Staff
Dr. Jennifer Wicks, Executive Director
Heather Steinhagen, Director of Operations and Digital Strategist
Lauren Polchies, Digital Content Developer
Shannon Stride, Craft Content Developer
Board of Directors
President: David Freeman, SK
First Vice President: Bernard Burton, NS
Second Vice President: Marc Dousenard, QC
Secretary: Kathleen Morris, ON
Treasurer: Chantal Frappier, QC
Past President: Tara Owen, AB
Craft Council of Newfoundland and Labrador: Katie Parnham
Craft Nova Scotia: Nancy Oakley
Craft NB: Fabiola Martinez
Le Conseil des métiers d’art du Québec (CMAQ): Marc Dousenard
Craft Ontario: Stuart Reid
Saskatchewan Craft Council: Cindy Hoppe
Alberta Craft Council: Dawn Saunders Dahl
Craft Council of British Columbia: Bettina Matzkhun
NWT Arts: Rosalind Mercredi
Director at Large: Jose Niaison
Land Acknowledgement
As we meet virtually to discuss the future of fine craft in Canada, it is important to acknowledge the Indigenous land upon which we live, earn income and gather on. Please take a moment to reflect on your location and be curious about the Indigenous craft, landmarks and languages that have shaped your region. We recognize and honour the Indigenous communities and Elders who have stewarded the lands for millennia and express our gratitude for First Nations, Métis and Inuit peoples ongoing resilience and teachings.
Meet Our Members & Affiliates
Craft Council Members
Craft Council of Newfoundland and Labrador
Le Conseil des métiers d’art du Québec (CMAQ)
Thank you!
The CCF/FCMA would like to thank Robert Jekyll for his generous donation towards the Robert Jekyll Award for Leadership in Craft.
Agenda
Craft’s Future: The CCF/FCMA National Symposium on Transformation and Innovation is hosted on Zoom. You will receive information about joining the meeting after registration. Click here to learn more.
Welcoming Remarks
Robert Jekyll Award for Leadership in Craft
Break
Cross Country Check-in
Break
Diversifying Funds
Closing
If you need any assistance during the symposium, please email [email protected]
Remembering Robert Jekyll: A Visionary Leader and Advocate for Fine Craft in Canada.
The CCF/FMCA is deeply saddened to share that Robert Jekyll passed away on December 23, 2023, at the age of 90. Robert was an extraordinary individual and a true gem in the world of craft. As an accomplished visual artist and an ardent advocate for the craft sector, he touched many lives with his passion and creativity. Robert was a remarkable leader and an inspiring mentor who left an indelible mark on Canadian culture and contemporary fine craft. Our hearts go out to all those who knew and loved him during this challenging time, and we offer our most heartfelt condolences.
An exceptional stained glass artist, Robert’s skills were highly admired by craft aficionados. He was deeply committed to the arts and served as a director on many influential provincial and national arts service organizations. His contributions to the functionality of these associations were invaluable.
Robert’s association with the CCF/FCMA began in the mid-nineties, during a challenging period when the organization (then the Canadian Crafts Council) lost funding and was reduced to a transitional board of volunteers. Undeterred, Robert worked relentlessly to keep the Council operational, and his efforts culminated in the Council’s transformation into the active, functional CCF/FCMA in 1998. His determination was instrumental in preserving the Federation during those turbulent years.
Robert’s dedication to Canadian fine craft was exemplary and significantly impacted the direction of Canadian fine craft organizations. He served as the President of the Ontario Crafts Council from 1998 to 2000 and the Canadian Crafts Federation/Fédération canadienne des métiers d’art (CCF/FCMA) from 2000 to 2003. He played a critical role in programming, advocacy, and direction and went well beyond the call of duty.
Robert was a true character, and his enthusiasm for the arts was contagious. His work inspired countless artists to develop their own unique style, bringing a contemporary flair to a medium often steeped in traditional design. His legacy in the fine craft sector was unparalleled, and he will be deeply missed by craftspeople from coast to coast to coast.
The legacy of Robert Jekyll lives on through the Robert Jekyll Award for Leadership in Craft, a symbol of his unwavering dedication to Canadian fine craft. This award recognizes his countless contributions to the craft community, from his tireless work in administration and organization to his selfless volunteerism. Past recipients include industry leaders like Charles Lewton-Brain and Jean Johnson, along with Robert himself, and we will be thrilled to present it to a deserving individual at our upcoming symposium. It is an honour to have Robert’s name attached to this award, and we are excited to see his legacy continue to inspire future generations of craft enthusiasts and advocates.
If you would like to donate in memory of Robert, please consider contributing to the Robert Jekyll Award for Leadership in Craft, managed by the Canadian Crafts Federation. You can donate by visiting https://www.canadahelps.org/en/charities/canadian-crafts-federation/.
To learn more about Robert’s life and work, you can visit the following links:
- Robert Jekyll Award for Leadership in Craft (2016): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_TPzCUhnHBc
- Painting with Light (1978): https://youtu.be/uH7N5pnRJ5g?si=-77oXDy94jmUGyZk
2023 Robert Jekyll Award for Leadership in Craft
Today, we celebrate the exceptional contributions and leadership of one individual who has made a significant impact on the Canadian craft sector. Join us in announcing the 2023 Laureate for the Robert Jekyll Award for Leadership in Craft.
The shortlisted nominees are Dr. Carol E. Mayer, a doctorate in Anthropology and founding president of the North-West Ceramics Foundation; Gilles Latour, who is a prominent leader in the Ontario and national craft sectors; and Dr. Jennifer Salahub, with a doctorate in the History of Design and a remarkable educator and a craft historian. Each nominee brings a unique perspective and skill set to the craft community.
The Robert Jekyll Award is an annual award recognizing individuals who have demonstrated outstanding leadership in promoting and advancing the Canadian craft sector. It is a testament to the contributions that individuals make to the Canadian craft community, and it is a way for us to express our gratitude for their dedication and hard work.
Cross Country Check-In
This community favourite rapid-fire check-in put our members in the spotlight with 3-minute presentations.
- Le Conseil des métiers d’art du Québec
- Craft Ontario
- PEI Crafts Council
- Craft Council of Newfoundland and Labrador
- More to be confirmed.
Diversifying Funds
Presented by Kyle Empringham, Co-Founder & Director of Finance and Fundraising, The Starfish Canada
Kyle Empringham is a fundraising expert with a strong background in non-profit management. He is the Co-founder and Director of Finance + Fundraising at The Starfish Canada, and has over 13 years of experience in the field.