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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 about ongoing activities, volunteer contributions and so much more! Click to download CSDA/CCAD annual reports from the last five fiscal years. |
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CSDA/CCAD STRATEGIC PLANNING The organization has undergone considerable transformation over the last few years. We have embraced new initiatives by providing monthly online programming, expanding our services for members, and showcasing a variety of topics related to decorative arts and material arts from both traditional and contemporary viewpoints. We have achieved a significant milestone in the history of the Canadian Society of Decorative Arts. As we progress, the organization recognizes the need to maintain its vitality 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 feedback, 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). | A COMMON INTEREST: DECORATIVE ARTS IN CANADA Below, Bruce D. Bolton of The Macdonald Stewart Foundation provides an overview of decorative arts and design in Canada. This video has been made available by way of CSDA/CCAD's archives and was recorded in 2021. Members of the organization enjoy exclusive, on demand access to our virtual presentations. |