CMA/PEI Training Opportunities

Training Schedule	Mannequin creation workshop
Conservation and Restoration	Training Resources

The Association's professional development program has evolved over the years to enable us to continue to meet the changing needs of the museum community. As can be seen in the program this year, we have added a number of new initiatives. In addition to promoting excellence in our Island museums through professional development, we are also undertaking strategies to encourage a greater exchange of information and ideas both regionally and nationally. Through professional exchanges, the development of a regional professional exchange/internship program, a regional study tour and increased access through the internet, we hope to promote an increased sense of being part of the Atlantic and Canadian museum community. It is through efforts such as these that individual Canadian museums can feel connected to the larger provincial, regional and national museum community.

Even though the Association has been in operation for fifteen years, the need for professional development opportunities continues to be of great importance. As those involved in museums increase their understanding of the field, their desire to upgrade and develop their own abilities increases. As new museums open their doors, there is a growing need for trained, professional museum personnel. As museum professionals develop, there is a desire to understand what other are doing elsewhere. As the number and diversity of museums in our area increases, the need for communication grows. The Association's professional development program is effective in answering these needs.

As in other regions, the museum population of P.E.I. is to a large extent composed of volunteers. In many cases, volunteers are developing the skills and insights of professional museum personnel. These volunteers have, through their interest and dedication, become involved in the community museums which house a significant percentage of the Island's heritage collections. The Association provides these volunteers with opportunities to develop their knowledge and understanding of museums. Armed with a heightened awareness, those involved in our community museums are better able to care for their collections and interpret them to the public.

Museum professionals participating in our programs are able to upgrade and develop their skills. Many of our programs are directed to the intermediate and advanced levels. These help professional museum personnel progress within their chosen fields of interest. By working as resource people in seminars, many museum professionals develop a familiarity with our community museums and a rapport with those who work in them. In addition to professional development, the Association serves the important function of promoting communication and cooperation within the museum community.

The development and implementation of a professional development/training program has always been central to the Association's reason for being. Through our program, we have been able to both foster and support museums in the province. We help ensure that those working in Island museums have opportunities to develop and their knowledge and understanding of the function and operation of museums. We promote high standards of museum operation. We act as a resource. We act as a link between the members of the P.E.I. museum community. We act as a link between our members and the regional and national museum community.

Our present program is part of a larger regional initiative undertaken by the Museums Associations of the Atlantic Region. This program strives to promote regional and national professional exchanges and dialogue. The development of a regional professional exchange/internship program; the exchange of professional expertise through seminars; the creation of an internet homepage; offering a regional study tour; developing provincial and regional museum councils all contribute to the awareness that we are part of a greater museum community and indeed part of the diverse Canadian mosaic which makes up our Canadian identity. These initiatives also allow us to exchange information and expertise more freely encouraging both partnerships and excellence.