At the beginning of 2024, CDIC reached out to the McMaster University's Office of Community Engagement (OCE), requesting support in researching some of the hypothetical factors related to the decision to contribute (or not) to CDIC’s collection. In no time, the OCE had a dynamic team put together under their Research Shop program.

The multidisciplinary team, led by Syed Mahamad, included Hamza Abouiznied, Mia Brufatto, Lily Li, and Lina Mabayyed undertook to identify motivations and barriers influencing the preservation of children's artwork by families, and contributions to CDIC. Understanding these factors is crucial to increase CDIC’s ability to educate the public on the significance of children's art and preserve it for future generations.

In total, 113 participants aged between 18 and 64 completed the online survey, and all Canadian provinces plus three territories were represented.

The team produced a report filled with never before documented insights on children’s art conservation as personal, family, or cultural heritage. Ninety (80%) of the survey participants reported that their parents saved their artwork when they were children, is but one such insight.

The study reveals that the main motivations for preserving children’s artwork within the home are:

• Tracking the child’s artistic and personal development
• Appreciating the artwork’s aesthetic value, and
• Maintaining emotional connections to the pieces.

By far, the biggest barriers to preserving artwork in the home were a lack of space to physically store the artwork and time constraints.

Regarding contributing to the CDIC archive, the main motivating factors were:

• The opportunity to share and celebrate the artwork with a broader audience,
• The child desires to contribute to the archive, and
• Receiving incentives, including crediting the child as the artist and/or small giveaways.

Factors that discouraged participants from contributing to the archive included:

• A lack of knowledge about the CDIC and its mission,
• Perceived logistical challenges with the artwork submission process, and
• Reluctance within the family to part with the original artwork.

The research team included recommendations based on their findings. The new knowledge emerging from the study will help CDIC to review its communication tools, as well as its collection development strategies.

At this point, it seems that CDIC should simultaneously address the need of families that seek as much exposure as possible for their images, and the need of families that prefer a restrained access limited only for archival and research purposes.

Stay tuned to see how CDIC will adapt for better serve contributing families, and reach out to other collection users. For the great project partnership, CDIC would like to thank the research team, as well as Evan Gravely and the Office of Community Engagement, at McMaster University.

Children’s Design International Collection (CDIC) wants to hear from dedicated individuals who will help the organization solidify its base and develop new strategies. Board volunteers commit to a two-year term on our working board of directors. Previous experience with a registered charity is preferred. Both member and officer positions are available:

Treasurer: A passion for budgeting, bookkeeping, risk assessment, reporting, and team work is required. The Treasurer oversees the implementation and review of the Financial Management Policy. The Treasurer chairs the Fundraising Committee. The organization has relied on steady donations, has initiated its corporate sponsorship program, and has yet to receive foundation grants.

Secretary: A passion for record keeping, policy review, contract monitoring, and team work is required. The Secretary oversees the recording of meeting proceedings, as well as the organization’s calendar and notices. The Secretary ensures that the organization’s decisions are reflecting its by-laws, policies and programs.

Director: A passion for education, the arts, the humanities, networking, and team work is required. Board members ensure the sustainable well-being and development of the organization. The board member may chair a standing committee.

The board meetings are held online, two to four times a year. Committee meetings are schedules as needed. The organization has cumulated project partnerships, and aims at long term program partnerships. CDIC is a member of Archivists Association of Ontario and Volunteer Canada. CDIC enjoys a strong presence on the web through the web site, social media and newsletter.

To apply: Use this online form or email resume, with optional LinkedIn link, to info@cdic-cide.org with Board Member in the subject line, by November 15^th 2024. Take a step forward with us!

We have put together a detailed sponsorship package for corporate entities that wish to accompany us in our conservation and educational programs. Businesses of all sizes are welcome to participate.

Yvon made Automn Leaves c1966. This sunny scene is part of the Lisette Tremblay fonds, in our collection.