The Bruce County Museum and Cultural  Centre has hired Orbital Media Group of Ottawa to conduct a study leading to a vision for the next 10 years of the Museum.

Ronald Drews has been conducting focus sessions with area residents, students and mayors.  The sessions asks the public what they see as the future of the Museum as part of the County and Community at large.  Special emphasis is placed upon the cultural and educational impact.

The study will lead to a report to be delivered in the fall which will outline branding and action items for the Museum and for County Officials.  Mr. Drews has met with County Mayors.  According to Drews the mayors "asked for a bold plan" for the future.

Drews has visited local schools to survey the ideas of the children and has done demographic research to determine trends in the county.

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Wednesday evening Mr. Drews conducted one of his focus sessions with nine men and women of various ages.  He asked them broad questions about their background and relationship with the Museum.  The entire group was asked their opinions on each of a number of questions.

Since some of those present had long associations with the Museum, they expressed their views and what they saw as areas that could be looked at for expansion in the future.  A lot of discussion ensued on the following topics:

• The programming of the Museum
• The Museum's relationship with children
• Use of facilities and areas of improvement
• Museum's relationship with the Art School and Performing Arts Community in the area.
• The relationship of the Museum with the Towns in the County.
• What exhibits attract the broadest possible audience.
• What traveling exhibits are popular.
• What programming suits seniors and adults.

The meeting lasted from 6:30 pm until almost 9 pm.