ICOM Canada invites museum professionals, academics, students, and cultural practitioners to participate in a new five-part webinar series, Shaping Museums for a Connected World, taking place weekly from January to February 2026. Open to both ICOM members and non-members, this online training series explores how museums of all sizes and types can build meaningful international connections, navigate global challenges, and strengthen their capacity for impactful cross-border work.
Across five themed sessions, expert speakers and panellists from across Canada and beyond will examine the global dimensions of museum practice—from ethical collection stewardship and international exhibitions to professional development, networks, and sector-wide challenges such as Indigeneity, migration, and climate change. Each 60-minute webinar invites dialogue and reflection, offering practical tools and insights that participants can apply to their own institutional and professional contexts.
Designed to foster learning, collaboration, and sector-wide capacity building, this series supports museum workers in developing the skills and networks needed to navigate an increasingly interconnected world.
Register for All the Sessions Here
Session 1: Global Engagement In Museums on Monday, January 26 at 1pm EST or 10am PST
Kick off the series with an introduction about what global engagement in museums truly means today. This first session makes the case for international collaboration and shows how museums of any size, location, or collection can build meaningful connections across borders. Through real examples and big-picture insights, participants will explore how global engagement can spark cross-cultural dialogue, strengthen professional networks, and shape programs that connect communities worldwide.
This foundational session sets you up for the rest of the series, giving you key concepts, questions, and frameworks to bring back to your own institution—and to deepen your learning in the webinars that follow.
Panellists:
- Dr. Sarah E.K. Smith, Canada Research Chair in Arts, Culture and Global Relations, Western University, London
- Dr. Simge Erdogan-O’Connor, Director, Museum of Healthcare, Kingston
- Dr. Sascha Priewe, President, ICOM Canada, and Director of Collections and Programs, Aga Khan Museum, Toronto
Session 2: Working Globally with Collections on Thursday, February 5 at 1pm EST
How can museum collections spark global dialogue? This session dives into the opportunities—and responsibilities—of engaging internationally through collections. Participants will explore timely topics such as repatriation and community relationships, cross-border research partnerships, and the possibilities and challenges of digitization in expanding worldwide access to collections.
Designed to inspire both reflection and action, this session highlights how museums can play an active role in global conversations while remaining deeply accountable to the communities they serve at home.
Panellists:
- Dr. Chen Shen, Co-Chief Curator, Art and Culture, and Senior Curator, China, Royal Ontario Museum
- Dr. Sharon M. Fortney, Senior Curator of Indigenous Collections, Engagement and Repatriation, Museum of Vancouver
- Moderator: Christine Conciatori, Vice President, ICOM Canada, and Director, University of Alberta Museums
Session 3: Expanding Global Reach with Exhibitions on Wednesday, February 11 at 1pm EST
Exhibitions offer some of the most powerful opportunities to build international visibility and collaboration. This session dives into the global potential of exhibitions—onsite and online—through loan exchanges, international partnerships, and the growing impact of digital platforms.
Speakers will share strategies, case studies, and lessons learned from working across borders, giving participants concrete ideas to bring back to their own institutions. Come explore how your exhibitions can engage global audiences, showcase your institution’s stories on the world stage, and strengthen international relationships.
Panellists:
- Julie Leclair, Director, Canadian Children’s Museum Renewal Project, Ottawa, and Board Member, ICOM Exhibitions
- Leah Cox, Exhibition and Commissions Manager, Agnes Etherington Art Centre, Kingston
- Eva Schubert, Chair and CEO, Museum With No Frontiers (MWNF)
- Moderator: Dr. Sarah E.K. Smith, Canada Research Chair in Arts, Culture and Global Relations, Western University, London
Session 4: Advancing Global Skills with Training and Professional Networks on Wednesday, February 18 at 1pm EST
What skills do museum professionals need to thrive in a rapidly changing global landscape? This session looks at how professional development, academic programs, and international networks can help you build the global competencies your work now demands.
Hear from representatives across professional organizations and training programs, including voices from ICOM’s committee work, as they share concrete opportunities and advice. Topics include curriculum updates, fellowships, residencies, and other pathways for skill-building and international exchange.
Whether you’re early in your career or a seasoned practitioner, this session will help you map out your next steps in becoming a more globally engaged museum professional.
Panellists:
- Catherine C. Cole, Member, ICOM Executive Board
- Anne Eschapasse, Présidente et cheffe de la direction, Musée McCord Stewart Museum
- Anaïs Aguerre, Founder and Managing Director, Culture Connect
- Moderator: Rodney Chaisson, Treasurer, ICOM Canada, and Manager of Site Maintenance, Nova Scotia Museums
Session 5: Addressing Global Challenges on Wednesday, February 25 at 1pm EST
Close out the series with a powerful look at how museums are responding to some of today’s most urgent global issues. Through the lenses of Indigeneity, diaspora and migration, and climate change, this session brings together speakers who are pushing museum practice forward in thoughtful, justice-oriented ways.
They will share examples of how museums can engage with global challenges in ways that foster resilience, inclusivity, and meaningful dialogue—at home and across borders. This closing session invites participants to reflect on the responsibilities and opportunities museums hold, and how international collaboration can help shape a more just, connected future.
Panellists:
- Dr. Viviane Gosselin, Director of Collections and Exhibitions, and Curator of Contemporary Culture, Museum of Vancouver
- Dr. Jennifer Carter, Professeure, Département d’histoire de l’art et aux Études supérieures en muséologie, Université du Québec à Montréal
- Franchesca Hebert-Spence, Curator of Indigenous Ceramics, Gardiner Museum, Toronto
- Dr. Melissa Karmen Lee, CEO, Chinese Canadian Museum
- Moderator: Dr. Simge Erdogan-O’Connor, Director, Canadian Museum of Health Care, Kingston
What Will You Gain?
- Practical tools for global engagement in collections, exhibitions, and professional practice
- Insights into international collaboration and cultural diplomacy
- Perspectives on sector-wide challenges, including Indigeneity, migration, and climate change
- Opportunities to connect with museum professionals across Canada and beyond
Who Is Leading the Series?
The series is organized by ICOM Canada and co-curated by:
- Sascha Priewe, President of ICOM Canada and Director of Collections & Public Programs at the Aga Khan Museum (Toronto). Sascha is a co-founder of the North American Cultural Diplomacy Initiative (NACDI) and co-curator of the Museum Diplomacy in Action conference (ICOM UK).
- Simge Erdogan-O’Connor, Director of the Canadian Museum of Health Care (Kingston), Course Director for the Ontario Museum Association’s Certificate in Museum Studies, and member of the North American Cultural Diplomacy Initiative (NACDI).
They will be joined by expert speakers and panellists from across Canada and internationally, bringing diverse perspectives on global museum practice.
This series is open to both ICOM members and non-members, and we encourage you to share this opportunity with colleagues who may benefit.