Transported: Objects of Meaning and the Immigrant Experience

Newcomers are invited to share objects and stories illustrating the immigrant experience

Transported: Objects of Meaning and the Immigrant Experience is a community project that explores who we are and where we come from through the objects we carry. Newcomers to Canada, living in Guelph, are invited to share a personal object that reflects their experience of migration, survival, innovation, culture, and identity. The object and its story will be displayed in an exhibition in the new Gathering Gallery at Guelph Civic Museum, opening in summer 2026.

“What did you bring when you moved to Guelph? Do you have one item that holds unique personal significance?” asks artist Dawn Matheson who is leading this initiative. “An object can be more than a ‘thing’ — it’s a memory, a legacy, and part of a journey.”

Participants will take part in a video interview about their object. Both the object and the video will be included in the exhibition. Matheson hopes to hear from Guelphites of all genders, ages, and cultural backgrounds. Diversity is at the heart of this project.

Those wishing to participate can contact the artist to get involved: [email protected]

Transported: Objects of Meaning and the Immigrant Experience is a partnership with Matheson, Guelph Museums, and the Guelph Neighbourhood Support Coalition, supported in part by The Musagetes Fund, held by the Guelph Community Foundation.

The first edition of Transported took place in 2017 – see the videos here.