About VCAM - Facts and History

VCAM Facts and History

History:	VCAM was founded in Toronto, Ontario in November 1952, and was incorporated as a non-profit institution in 1976. It is the only association established solely for and run by art museum volunteers for mutual education through communication. Thousands of volunteers serve art museums in Canada, the United States and round the world in many capacities.

Membership:	Two voting delegates represent each of the 116 Museum Volunteer Committees.

Requirements:	VCAM is open to volunteer committees of visual arts museums. The committee is the member of VCAM and the representative of its museum. Museums of all sizes, including those on university campuses, in large cities and small towns, in historic settings, and those specializing in different cultures enjoy the VCAM commitment to serve their constituencies.

Purpose:	The purpose of VCAM is mutual education by communication among member committees and is an internationally recognized resource for innovative ideas in producing a revenue stream and information exchange on recruiting and retaining volunteers, community outreach programs, youth involvement, and adapting the needs of today’s society. This helps volunteers to maximize their contributions of time and expertise to their museums.

Conference:	The Triennial VCAM conference rotates among the committee members museums.