What People Say About My Work
John Summers demystifies the daunting task of exhibition planning for a wide range of arts and cultural heritage practitioners, from museum studies students to grassroots cultural organizations to seasoned heritage professionals. With openness, honesty and wit, he identifies possible barriers to audience engagement and connectivity and works directly with museum-makers to help overcome them. Armed with a variety of strategies and his infectiously positive attitude, John succeeds in making heritage relevant in the here and now.
Sarah Munro, Manager of Programming, The Bentway, Toronto
John Summers works at the absolute cutting edge of museum and heritage theory - and most importantly, practice - in Canada. His ideas are not only bold and innovative - they work. They breathe real life into the concept of a museum, bringing it off the shelves, out of the bricks and mortar, and into the community. His presentation to our Historical Society Board of Directors here in the Kawarthas helped teach us how to develop strategies for better engaging people with heritage service delivery - strategies we are now pursuing with enthusiasm and success.
David Wesley, Heritage Director, Kawartha Lakes Historical Society
John is a museum-world treasure. His comprehensive knowledge of museum practice challenges students to think big picture while planning the small details. A naturally gifted teacher, he seeks students’ perspective and encourages them to incorporate their personal experience into the discussions and assignments. The Ontario Museum Association continues to benefit from his creativity and desire to improve our content, process and delivery to better meet changing needs in our sector.
Bep Schippers, Professional Development Program Manager, Ontario Museum Association