I thought this video was relevant to Winnipeg for a number of different reasons. First, we have some great designers (and champions of design) here that are looking to do some amazing things for both our city and the design disciplines studied here. Second, we have a lot of great capital projects that are either underway or about to be announced that will add excitement and life to our city. Coincidentally, many of them are museums of some sort or another. But the definition of museum is changing. They are no longer static exhibits that merely educate. They are interactive experiences that entertain as well. The success of these new institutions rely on the ability to draw back visitors several times a year. They need to educate, entertain, inspire and relate to their audience. We can no longer think of museums as places that preserve history. We need to think of them as places where we can celebrate history and anticipate the future.

T'was the week before Christmas and all through our space,
Our staff was preparing to meet clients face to face.
Pictures of stockings were hung above the "fire" with care,
In hopes that guests would arrive, and they'd stop, and they'd stare.
And they'd notice how much time and attention it took,
For us to decorate every cranny and nook.
We chopped, and we sawed, and we cut, and we pasted,
We really hoped all this work wasn't time wasted.
There was last minute prep, and we worked and we scurried,
We set off the fire alarm, and got firemen there in a hurry.
Was it worth it, this work? This Primp and this prep?
We'd soon see as off the elevator guests stepped.
They came and they ate, and they drank and we chatted,
They had a good time, they didn't leave empty handed.
After hours of fun, food, beer and wine,
Everyone left feeling warm, welcome and fine.
There's something to be said for getting together with friends,
During this holiday season, the fun never ends.
So thank you to all of you who came,
And for those who didn't, thanks all the same,
For making this year, one of the best ones yet,
Here's to the New Year, and making it better than best.

Merry Christmas and Happy Hanukkah!

(sorry for the bad poem)