Heralding heritage
March 1, 2004
By Cam Tait
HAMILTON, ON // She has been described as a community partner, as "one
of the best art administrators in the city." Someone else pegged her
as the "best grantwriter in the city." She took a membership base from
125 at the beginning of 2003. Today, there are more than 350 members.
And revenues, under her guidance, have increased by 160% in two years.
Say hello to Renée Johnston. She was hired by the Workers Arts and Heritage Centre as the program director in 1995. Five years later she became the group's executive director. And while her numbers are impressive, her passion is to share stories of Canadian history.
The centre has worked to develop partnerships with sectors such as health
and safety and trucking. In fact, Renée says the centre's biggest achievement
so far was creating the virtual museum "Highway
Workplace: The Canadian Truckers Story." Other groups who have worked
with the centre include the African Canadian community, heritage partners,
artists, labour groups, industry and others.
"As an artist, I have a direct connection to the local arts community," says Renée. "And as a progressive, [I have] direct connections with the local and provincial social justice and labour movement. We're seen as a solid community partner who is approached by many groups to bring their ideas to life."
Renée's vision for the future is crystal clear - connecting Canadians
from coast, to coast to coast, sharing stories, victories, challenges,
and discussing the future. "We would like to see the inclusion of everyday
stories in our education system, in our museums and galleries across
Canada," she says. "I'm passionate and committed to bringing the stories
of Canada's working class and diverse communities to the public in exciting
and creative ways, involving stakeholders in the development and process
of project management, design and delivery."
Still, she says there are challenges. Perhaps to no one's surprise, it has to do with money. "We find that we are able to raise funds for projects, but in terms of finding funds to operate our building, pay core staff, and meet our administrative needs, we are constantly scrambling for money," she says. "Our workers are underpaid, burn out easily, and we often can't afford enough hours of work to cover off what needs to be done. We work very hard to increase the wage of those paid in this sector, but funders don't always see the benefit of this."
In 1986, after graduating from McMaster University, she became treasurer of the Hamilton Artists Inc. After moving to Windsor, Renée found the Common Ground Art Gallery. Then, it was back to Hamilton. She involved herself with Hamilton Artists Inc. and added more activities to her community member resume: parent rep for the local school council for the Greeenspace Committee, local neighborhood association volunteer, and involvement with the local arts council.
"Through this I became very familiar with not-for-profit practices," she says. On her journey she has seen many things. "I have learned to be passionate, anti-racist, committed, non-judgmental, and kind. I've learned to laugh at my mistakes and take on challenges headlong. I have seen people who normally don't share the same politics come together under the banner of community goodwill for a greater gain for the whole. I have seen underdogs rise to challenges and big players share great largess with others."
It's important to share that with people - young people, says Renée. "Surround yourself with good people, mentor as much as you can, capture the energy of young workers, diversify your partnerships, and think outside the box. Give away power and it comes back tenfold."
Visit www.wahc-museum.ca.
Do you know of someone who deserves to be in Charity Village's Spotlight?
Send us their name, telephone number and details about their community involvement
to cam@charityvillage.com.
