Toronto: Canadian Modern & Beyond Symposium

Canadian Society of Decorative Arts / Cercle canadien des arts décoratifs

G2 Stereo, Designed by Al Faux (1931-1978) and fabricated by Clairtone Sound Corporation 1966, Toronto, Ontario and Stellarton, Nova Scotia, Canada. ROM, 2020.24.2. Image courtesy of Royal Ontario Museum

Toronto: Canadian Modern & Beyond
43rd Annual Symposium

September 26 & 27, 2025 | Toronto, ON

You are invited! The Canadian Society of Decorative Arts/Cercle canadien des arts décoratifs is announcing their 43rd annual symposium, taking place in Toronto on Friday, September 26 and Saturday, September 27. You won’t want to miss this vibrant, two-day cultural event!

This year, the agenda features curated content with decorative arts and design lovers in mind, including VIP access to venues, behind-the-scenes studio and exhibition tours, expert-led excursions, panel discussions and so much more.

The Marian Bradshaw Lecture will feature Michael McClelland of ERA Architects! Modern Heritage will be presented at Tartu Event Space on Saturday, September 27. Register for the in person or online lecture here.

Don’t miss out on this opportunity to delve into the world of Canadian Modern decorative arts and design. Access program details and registration options here.

*Charter bus service and lunch is included on Friday.
*Coffee, tea, pastries and a guided walking tour of The Annex are included on Saturday.

Images courtesy of Kristy Woudstra, Brothers Dressler and Thomas Fisher Rare Book Library

Highlights Include:

• Guided tour of Thomas Fisher Rare Book Library
• Private tour of Brothers Dressler studio space
• Behind the scenes access to 401 Richmond
• An architecturally-focused walking tour through The Annex
• Private access to three exhibitions

Lectures & Panel Discussions:

Modern Heritage presented by Michael McClelland of ERA Architecture
Using case studies, this presentation considers how architectural expression, material culture, and cultural value intersect in the city’s evolving heritage landscape.

Paul McClure: Designer – Maker – Educator
McClure will examine the convergence of biology, craft, and contemporary jewellery through his studio practice.

Ornamentum Spotlights Modern Makers
Ornamentum’s online editor Julia Brucculieri will be in conversation with quilter Kristy Woudstra and furniture designer and maker Daniel Greutter as they share their insights as modern makers in the evolving world of craft and design.

Canadian Modern Craft & Design: Display, Document, Interpret
Dr. Rachel Gotlieb, Dr. Jan Hadlaw and Dr. Michael J Prokopow will examine institutional stewardship of post 1920 Canadian design and craft. Panelists will also consider the interpretation and display of artifacts in the context of audiences, value, social culture and the critical narration of histories through objects.

Presentation by Justine Woods, Curator of Indigenous Collections at Bata Shoe Museum
This talk will focus on two Ancestor belongings and two contemporary pieces of Indigenous fashion footwear currently at rest in the Bata Shoe Museum’s Collection.

Image courtesy of Bata Shoe Museum

Be inspired by artists and makers, learn from experts, and network with like-minded arts enthusiasts. This symposium is your canvas for growth, connection, and creativity!

Contact info@csda-ccad.org or 647-249-6280 for more information. View the brochure here.