Presented at online on Wednesday, 23 February 2022 at the ENVi BGM
It is with great pride and gratitude that I reflect on the journey of our association, ENVi, as we celebrate our continuing commitment to advancing museum and gallery education. From our humble beginnings as extension education officers across the GLAM (galleries, libraries, archives and museums) sector, to our evolution propelled by SPP funding in the 2000s, ENVi has been a cornerstone in fostering innovation and excellence in our sector.
Undoubtedly, the past two years have been marked by unprecedented challenges. The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted our routines and forced us to adapt rapidly to new modes of operation. Our last in-person program, Braver Bolder, held at the Melbourne Museum, was a testament to our dedication to pushing boundaries and effecting meaningful change through museum education. Little did we know that soon after, the term “WFH” would become ubiquitous, signalling a shift to remote work and reliance on virtual platforms like Zoom.
As a consequence, our regional members faced unique hurdles, navigating the digital landscape while striving to maintain engagement and connection within our community. Despite these obstacles, 2020 saw the successful execution of our popular program series, Silver Linings, which provided a beacon of hope and inspiration during trying times.
In 2021, under the theme reNEWed, we continued to adapt, albeit with the constant flux of program changes reflecting the uncertain times we found ourselves in. The resilience and dedication of our members were evident, yet the toll of prolonged uncertainty and virtual fatigue weighed heavily.
I extend my heartfelt thanks to Mei Liu and Gurmeet Kaur for their steadfast service as Secretaries, as well as to Michelle Kiag for her invaluable contributions as Treasurer. Your dedication and hard work have been instrumental in navigating the challenges we’ve faced.
As we embark on this new year, there is a sense of optimism and renewal in the air. With vaccines rolling out and a collective hope for brighter days ahead, let us approach the new year with renewed vigour and determination. Together, let us continue to champion excellence in museum and gallery education, forging ahead with resilience, innovation, and a shared sense of purpose.
Christine Healey
ENVi President 2022
Photo by Kevin Laminto on Unsplash
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