Matt Macintosh, Curator at the Kamloops Museum and Archives (KMA), grew up in and around Toronto and has a background and primary training as a visual artist. Over the years, he’s worked on a number of projects exploring how we give (and withhold) cultural significance to objects. This led him naturally into roles curating art that connected to history; and then onto curating history specifically. Matt was drawn to the landscape in Kamloops - culturally, politically and topographically - not to mention the skiing is much better here.
Meet Matt
Meet the Locals - KMA
In my role as Curator, I work through the conception and development of exhibitions, which includes research, writing, and bringing together and organizing materials (or ideas, or communities). This transitions into designing, installing, displaying and promoting the exhibitions. In addition, the Kamloops Museum and Archives is trusted by the City of Kamloops to care for its collection of over 20,000 artifacts from the region, the largest in the Interior.
Meet Locals - KMA
I feel fortunate to be able to examine community histories in light of their relevance to contemporary culture. This sometimes involves challenging storylines or drawing attention to things that haven't registered widely as having historical value.
There are many stories from the array of communities that make up Kamloops that we need to work collaboratively on to help share.
Meet the Locals - KMA
The Kamloops Museum and Archives has permanent exhibitions that are in constant evolution and produces three major temporary exhibitions per year. We are committed to promoting critical and diverse ways of understanding Kamloops history, in a space where everyone can see themselves reflected.
Meet the Locals - KMA
“Recovery Drive” is the current exhibit on display which looks at the history of the Royal Inland Hospital and the Tranquille Sanitorium, both side-by-side and overtime, incorporating stories of health workers from Kamloops. The Kamloops Museum and Archives is located at 207 Seymour Street in downtown Kamloops and open from Tuesday to Saturday 9:30am-4:30pm. Admission is by donation (suggested $1 per child and $3 per adult). The museum is mobility and wheelchair accessible, and has implemented safety protocols to keep visitors safe.
Learn more about the Kamloops Museum and Archives.