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Who We Are |
The CSDA/CCAD makes decorative arts and design accessible to all people through education, events, community partnerships, and volunteer opportunities. The Canadian Society of Decorative Arts/ Cercle canadien des arts décoratifs (CSDA/CCAD) is a Canadian charitable organization founded in 1981 by the generous support of the McDonald Stewart Foundation. CSDA/CCAD offers the decorative arts community a platform to connect with fellow enthusiasts, collectors, professionals, and students, all of whom share a passion for and promote the rich diversity of material culture and design. We host and promote local and national events that include online and in-person presentations by makers, collectors and decorative arts experts, luncheons, panel discussions, symposiums, and tours of private collections. Special member rates available to Canadians and beyond. Join and explore the numerous essays and critical reviews featured in our acclaimed magazine, Ornamentum, and discover intriguing perspectives on both historical and contemporary decorative arts and design. Express your creative and intellectual interests while fostering professional relationships and forming new friendships. CSDA/CCAD is dedicated to a policy of diversity, equity, and inclusion. |
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| What are the Decorative Arts?The CSDA/CCAD defines decorative arts as designed objects, often of a practical or useful nature, which have cultural, aesthetic, and/or historical value. These objects of the everyday include ceramics, glass, metalwork, jewellery, furniture, lighting, textiles, basketry, graphics, interior design, aspects of architecture, industrial and landscape design, and more. As members, we draw inspiration from the creativity found within the rich tapestry of material culture. We interact with a wide variety of objects, spanning from the unusual to the extraordinary, including creations that have become elevated to cultural icons. The objects around us can have a profound impact on how we think about and interact with the world. How do we create objects and how do the objects we create shape us? |
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ANNUAL REPORTS Learn more about our ongoing activities, committee work and volunteer contributions by clicking on the reports below. Download or read through each of our annual reports. |
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CSDA/CCAD STRATEGIC PLANNING CSDA/CCAD has evolved significantly in the past few years. More recently, it has adopted new initiatives by delivering monthly programming online, offering more services to members, and representing diverse topics on the decorative arts and material arts from traditional and contemporary perspectives. Using this momentum to advantage, the board of directors is pursuing a three-year strategic plan for the future direction of the organization in the following areas:
We have reached an important milestone in the history of the Canadian Society of Decorative Arts. history. As we move forward, the organization must prepare to sustain its vibrancy and vision for the future. Download a copy of our 2022-2025 Strategic Plan. As a member of CSDA/CCAD, your support is important to us. If you have any comments or thoughts, please contact us. The Canadian Society of Decorative Arts/Cercle canadien des arts décoratifs is a national non-profit organization (Registered Charitable Organization No. 886343391RR0001). | "The decorative arts help us understand history""The decorative arts - are not only pleasing to look at, but tell us much about the people who owned and used them. The decorative arts help us understand the development of style and taste, and at the same time provide important insights into social and economic history." - Alexandra McCurdy, Past Honorary Council Member & Ceramic Artist The CSDA and the Macdonald Stewart Foundation - A History: |