Gallery and Museum Engagement (GAME*)
Conference June 4-6, 2026
REGISTER NOW
Join us June 4-6, 2026, in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan.
Hosted by Remai Modern, sited on the banks of the South Saskatchewan River on Treaty 6 Territory and the Traditional Homeland of the Métis.
Museums and galleries provide safe spaces for communities to connect through critical inquiry, discussion, and creative problem-solving. During our time together at the annual GAME conference, we will explore methodologies for engaging deep institutional transformations and breaking down silos through shared audience-focused visions and interdepartmental collaboration. This conference will offer an opportunity to investigate topics of holistic community-centred experiences, relationship-building, and examine ways of reframing knowledge and access while honouring multiple perspectives and deconstructing dominant narratives. Join us in discussing and celebrating how we can all engage in this crucial work.
Our keynote speaker for 2026 is curator and writer Michelle Jacques, who is renowned for her expertise in advocating for institutional change, combining historical and contemporary art, and for her championship of regional artists. Other sessions include a visit to Wanuskewin Cultural Heritage Center, case studies, land-based engagement, panel discussion, special presentations, tours, and more. Most importantly, what GAME does best is creating networks among museum educators across the country. We are excited to hold space with you as we connect through ideas, community, and the land upon which we will gather.
*GAME was formerly Canadian Art Gallery Educators (CAGE), now with an expanded scope to include all gallery and museum educators across disciplines and content areas.
Conference Pricing
- $425: Early Bird (before March 30)
- $450: Full Conference Registration (after March 30)
- $350: Case Study Registration
- $220: Student Registration
- $195: One Day Registration
- 10 complimentary spaces available for those who are part of an equity-seeking group
Current Membership Fees
- Institutional Membership: $100 (2 voting)
- Individual Membership: $50 (1 vote)
- Equity Seeking/Student Membership: $30 (1 vote)
- Indigenous Membership: $0 (1 vote)
Schedule
Wednesday, June 3: Arrival
6:00 pm: Pre-Conference Dinner & Drinks Bokeh (optional, on your own)
Thursday, June 4: Conference Day 1
9:00–10:00 am: Registration, refreshments provided at Remai Modern
10:00–11:00 pm: Welcome Session with Lyndon Linklater and Meewasin Valley Authority
11:15–12:30 pm: Keynote Address by Michelle Jacques
12:30–1:30 pm: Lunch provided, catered by Hearth
1:30–2:45 pm: Keynote Reflection Session
3:00–4:30 pm: Presentation by Jen Budney
5:00 pm: Dinner at Loqui (optional, on your own)
Friday, June 5: Day 2
8:30–9:00 am: Doors open, refreshments provided
9:00–10:00 am: Remai Modern Exhibition Tour: Forecast 10:15–11:45 am: Interpretive Planning Panel: Nicolle Nugent & Jenny Ryan, Remai Modern Manager of Learning & Engagement & Interpretive Planner
12:00 pm: Transportation provided to Wanuskewin Heritage Park
12:30–1:00 pm: Viewing time for Wanuskewin exhibitions & grounds
1:00–2:00 pm: Lunch provided, catered by Wanuskewin
2:00–3:30 pm: Presentation by Tarah Hogue
3:30–4:30 pm: Wanuskewin Excursion/Interpretive Planning Workshop
5:00 pm: Transportation provided to Remai Modern
6:00 pm: Dinner at Cathedral Social Hall (optional, on your own)
Saturday, June 6: Day 3
8:00–9:00 am: Doors open, Refreshments Provided
9:00–9:45 am: Case Study #1 Building relationships while living in a decolonizing mindset with Kimberly Bird
9:45–10:30 am: Case Study #2 “In the Rhubarb” with Between Pheasants Contemporary: Towards an Experimental Curatorial Methodology for Rural Exhibitions with Alexander Rondeau
10:30–11:15 am: Case Study #3 AWE in the Schools and Community: Waawiiantong Forever with Julie Rae Tucker
11:30 am–1 pm: GAME AGM & Lunch Provided
1–2:30 pm: Hot Topics Discussion
2:30–5:00 pm: Museum Visits
5:00–6:00 pm: Dinner & Farewell Drinks at State & Main (optional, on your own)
*Please note: This schedule is subject to change.
Case Studies
Case Study #1 Building relationships while living in a decolonizing mindset
Building relationships: The Red Pheasant Project explores relationship-building between a First Nation community and Remai Modern, examining how the project moved beyond traditional museum outreach. Centering Indigenous perspectives and relational approaches, it considers tensions between institutional priorities and community-defined ways of working. The study asks how a museum can become meaningful to Indigenous women without reproducing extractive relationships, while demonstrating how museums can rethink engagement, shared authority, and Indigenous-led participation and belonging.
Kimberly Bird is a descendant of Daybird, Trottier, Houle and Chapel. She is a member of George Gordon First Nation with roots to the Round Prairie Métis and the Welsh settlement of Bangor, SK. She currently holds the role of Indigenous Programs Coordinator at Remai Modern. Kim develops relationships with Indigenous people and works collaboratively with communities to provide meaningful programming, events and projects. Within the department of Learning and Engagement, Kim has successfully created impactful programming inside of Remai Modern and inside of First Nations communities.
Kim holds a Bachelor of Education from the University of Saskatchewan. She also has professional training as a contemporary dancer and art administrator. She has participated within the Arts and Culture sector of Canada and abroad as an administrator, instructor, media artist, dancer, board member, SK Arts Board jury member, collaborator and volunteer for over 20 years. Within the Aboriginal Arts community of Canada, her experience as an art administrator spans well over 15 years.
Case Study #2 “In the Rhubarb” with Between Pheasants Contemporary: Towards an Experimental Curatorial Methodology for Rural Exhibitions
This case study will delve into the programming of Between Pheasants Contemporary (BPC), an experimental presentation space in a pheasant coop in rural Northern Ontario. Launched in 2021, BPC has presented 20 exhibitions to date. The specificity of the site — an 8’ x 8’ x 8’ chipboard cube — as well as curatorial decisions like using hay bales as plinths, have created familiar entry points for local audiences to engage with contemporary art that might otherwise feel unfamiliar. As such, this case study will think through some of the challenges of developing and presenting exhibitions 200 kilometres from the nearest artist-run centre by embracing rurality as a solution rather than an obstacle.
Alexander Rondeau is a queer curator, writer, and artist from rural Northern Ontario. In March 2026, he relocated to Regina, Saskatchewan, for the role of Curator and Head of Engagement with Dunlop Art Gallery at the Regina Public Library. Rondeau is currently a PhD candidate in the Cultural Studies program at Queen’s University, where his research focuses on rural queer art. He holds an MFA in Criticism & Curatorial Practice from OCAD University and a BFA in Photography Studies from Toronto Metropolitan University.
Case Study #3 AWE in the Schools and Community: Waawiiantong Forever
Waawiiatanong Forever is an Indigenous-led photography and postcard project that centers Indigenous women, 2Spirit people, and families living in the Windsor–Essex region. Project curator Julie Rae Tucker will share lessons from this multi‑year, by‑for initiative, including place‑based storytelling, “cousin curating,” and collaborative exhibition design rooted in Indigenous knowledge systems. The session will explore ethical approaches to collections care, digital storytelling, and governance, and reflect on how Indigenous‑centred processes can reshape institutional practice, strengthen accountability, and counter erasure.
Photo taken by Shayenna Nolan
Julie Rae Tucker is a Windsor-based artist, curator, and cultural worker. She is the Head of Programs & Projects at Art Windsor- Essex. She holds an MFA from the University of Windsor and a BFA from Nova Scotia College of Art & Design. Her work as an artist and curator has been shown across Canada and internationally. She is Lunaapeewi from the Munsee Delaware First Nation and is of settler descent. In 2024, the exhibition Nii Ndahlohke / I Work, co-curated with Dr. Mary Jane Logan McCallum, won the awards, Exhibition of the Year Budget over $20,000 Thematic from Galeris Ontario and a Community Impact award from the Association of Tribal Archives, Libraries and Museums.
Submission for Case Studies now closed. Find more information about case study applications by clicking here.
Accommodation Information
Alt Hotel Saskatoon is located across the street from Remai Modern, on the banks of the South Saskatchewan River, and is close to walking trails, amenities and restaurants. Use the booking link provided below for discount conference pricing. Discounts are available until May 3, 2026.
Booking Link (online reservations): Details – Alt Hotel Saskatoon
Booking Code (for phone reservations): 2606GAMECO
- King City View – $185
- King River View – $215
- Two Queen Beds – $205
- One Queen Bed + Sofa Bed – $205