Talk:TheMuseum

Finances

In fleshing out the history of the organization, it may be relevant to include some of the more recent funding concerns and proposed expansion. However, I think this section should wait until more third-party verified information can be added about the overall history of the organization and its goals.

28 May 2018 - "BMO donates $1M and offers to sell building to Themuseum" was originally posted to The Record newspaper, and is archived by TheMuseum here. This is an early discussion of a proposed expansion.

15 Nov 2018 - "Fate of TheMuseum at a Crossroad" states that the organization sees itself with three options, to "maintain the status quo and disappear, scale back operations or expand into the adjoining bank property and create a community space that attracts artists from across the region." At this point, it has already cut staff, and the organization's leadership seems to favour expansion, to some skepticism from the community.

5 Mar 2020 - "Consultant raises concerns about TheMuseum finances and expansion plans" details the "red flags" a consultant has raised about large expenses and deficits, with a decline in fundraising. City of Kitchener leadership supports buying the land for expansion. The review itself can be found in Staff Report: Finance and Corporate Services Committee (p. 13-18). (Side note: COVID-19 closures didn't begin to occur until later this month.)

13 Jan 2021 - "Regional councillors press pause on Rolling Stones exhibit funding request" When TheMuseum requests further funds to promote a major exhibition outside of the region, to open 30 Nov 2021, regional councillors and local mayors discuss contingency plans in case of COVID-19 and suggest seeking federal and provincial funding.

Michaeltyu (talk) 00:09, 4 July 2021 (UTC)Michaeltyu

Basic history is done so I think we can add this in, the finance history/issues of the museum seems to be rather lengthy and well covered by local news so I made a whole section for it. Zaniff (talk) 21:50, 2 May 2026 (UTC)

Public Participation

In 2018, TheMuseum announced it would offer free admission to anyone who voted in the local municipal election on 24 Oct 2018. The CEO, David Marskell, was warned by the city that this violated Section 90(3) of The Municipal Election Act and could result in a fine and jail time. TheMuseum adjusted the offer of free admission on the day of the election to anyone who shared the password: "Please vote." Michaeltyu (talk) 00:22, 4 July 2021 (UTC)Michaeltyu

References