New federal funding will allow Guelph Museums to hire three young people in the community.
Minister of Canadian Heritage Steven Guilbeault announced the funding at the Guelph Civic Museum Wednesday morning which is part of $12 million in supplementary recovery funds devoted to Young Canada Work – Heritage Program, which aims to create as many as 1,240 additional jobs for young people in the heritage, arts and culture sectors across Canada.
Manager of the Guelph Museums Tammy Adkins said the $23,060 funding will cover three job positions that include two summer internships that have already begun and one 32 week internship they are currently interviewing for.
“Many of you lost jobs, one year into COVID-19 pandemic, 15 to 25 year olds accounted for 45 per cent of net employment losses since the start of the pandemic. Major support was clearly needed. This pandemic has been so difficult for so many of you. The impacts on your lives have been disproportionate. Please know this, the Government of Canada, sees you. We appreciate your sacrifices, and we will continue to support you,” said Guilbeault.
Curator assistant at the Guelph Civic Museum, Michelle Ford who helps create a digital presence of artifact in the Guelph Civic Museum said there is a growing demand for for museums to digitize their collections as well as their exhibitions in order to provide access to research and learning beyond the museum's physical space.
This work is not only important but also timely,” said Ford adding that an employment opportunity at the museum means she can be employed full time in the summer months during her time in Sheridan college and still develop skills to gain the experience she needs.
“It also helps my future career goals as I've had the chance to make many good connections to others in the art and courses field, build on my photography experience and get started on my career path before I even graduate,” said Ford.
