Ontario restrictions limiting arts and culture experiences in Waterloo region

It's been almost a week since local museums, art galleries and historic sites temporarily closed their doors as directed by the Ontario government.

It was part of new provincial measures to help curb the spread of COVID-19 and a spike in Omicron cases.

The local organizations are familiar with how to pivot in these situations as closures have occurred before; however, the situation has added additional operational challenges and limited client experience, people at there sites say.

CBC Kitchener-Waterloo checked in with several local organizations about how they're handling the recent closure announcement.

Homer Watson House and Gallery

The heritage home and art gallery offers visits and educational programming, from camps to art classes for children, teenagers and adults

However, in-person visits and programs have been suspended.

"That's frustrating and disappointing for both parties. We were excited to have a bit of normalcy … All of our instructors are excited to be teaching and engaging with their students. And of course, all of the students are excited to learn," said Alex Hartstone, marketing and development officer.

The organization also had to shift its upcoming exhibits to run virtually instead. This includes Surface Tension, an exhibit created by students from Eastwood Collegiate Institute's Integrated Arts Program.

"So that's been particularly challenging because the students have missed out on so much already through COVID," said Hartstone.

Hartstone said an upside to virtual events is that they're more accessible to people outside the region. She said the organization's website has seen an increase in visitors.

"Our hope is it gets people excited and interested in the gallery and then hopefully once we're open again, it will encourage more visitors to come and check us out," she said.

Hartstone said the closure of arts and culture spaces has severe impacts on the community.

"I think it's just a bit of a greyer world … I think people are maybe a little bit less inspired," she said.

The organization, which relies on community donations, grants and paid programming, has also delayed some of its revenue generating events.

Hartstone said membership has dropped and staff are trying to rebrand membership perks and benefits to entice former members and new people to join.

Kitchener-Waterloo Art Gallery

The Kitchener-Waterloo Art Gallery quickly pivoted earlier in the pandemic to ensure many exhibits lived in online spaces.

So, the organization was ready after the latest closure was announced.

"The impact has largely been minimal, partly because we're kind of used to having to do this … we were already planning a winter program that includes a mix of in-person and online programs and events. So we do still have a lot of our online offerings available," said Stephanie Vegh, director of marketing and communications.

"It's certainly a disappointing turn of events. I think we had really hoped to be able to ride out this latest wave. But you know, the safety of our community always has to come first," she added.

There are virtual plans for family Sunday events and a seniors art workshops later this month. A virtual camp in April will also proceed as planned.

However, two in-house staff were temporarily laid off until doors can open again.

The organization, which relies on government assistance, community donations and paid programming, has had a steady stream of grants and donations coming in.

"For now, our goal is really just to ensure that we continue to inspire and engage the audience that we have and hopefully grow that audience," Vegh said.

"The nice thing about online is that you can access what we have to offer from wherever you are, even if you're outside of Waterloo region and that will be there ready to welcome you back once we're able to reopen."

TheMuseum

It's been a long time coming for TheMuseum and its Unzipped exhibit, which features memorabilia for the rock band The Rolling Stones.  

It opened Nov. 30 and planned to run through Feb. 27. It's now temporarily closed.

CEO David Marskell told CBC K-W in an emailed statement that the organization is "optimistic" it can extend the exhibit if needed.

 "Our numbers have been solid and went up for the day and a half after Ford made the announcement," he said.

It's tentative reopening date is Jan. 28, two days after the restrictions are planned to lift.

Regional sites

Regional museums including the Ken Seiling Waterloo Region Museum, Schneider Haus National Historic Site and McDougall Cottage Historic Site have also had to close their in-person doors.

"We're disappointed," said Keri Solomon, manager of regional museums. "We have services and exhibits and whatnot where our staff love engaging with the public. So it's not how we wanted to start the new year. [It's] not necessarily a surprise, but something we hope to be at the end of sooner than later."

Solomon said staff are in the process of reconsidering timelines for some exhibits and reviewing reopening plans. Contingency plans will be created for full or a modified reopening when restrictions lift, depending on what rules will follow.

"We still have and are happy to offer virtual programs for educators, for in-school programs program, as well as some speakers and as well as some online events," said Solomon.