NZ Museum Awards
Entering the New Zealand Museum Awards
Now is the time to enter the New Zealand Museum Awards for 2012. We know there has been great work done in the museum and art gallery sector which deserves recognition.
The closing date for 2012 applications is Thursday 1 March. Entry details are below - if you have questions or need more information contact us.
Further information:
- Application forms for Individual Achievement and Museum categories (Word Docs 160KB)
- Terms and conditions (pdf 118KB)
- FAQs
- Stay up-to-date
- Awards background
- Previous Awards
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What do the judges need to know?
A: They need to know basic information such as who was involved, what the project entailed, where it was held and when. They also want to know what is special about your project - why you undertook the project in the way you did, what challenges you overcame, and why it is worthy of recognition.
Q: What supporting evidence should I submit?
A: More is not necessarily better, however to illustrate your project, you could include some or all of the following: plans, reports, photographs, graphic material, visitor book comments, blog posts, media hits.
Q: What are the judging criteria?
A: The judges will be looking for excellence, relevance, inclusion, innovation and vision. Some or all of these criteria will be applied as relevant to each Award category. For details see terms and conditions above.
Q: Who are the judges?
A: The three judges for 2012 have not yet been announced, but all have been involved in museums and galleries and bring a range of perspectives to the awards. The judges for 2011 were: Priscilla Pitts, Heritage Destinations Manager, NZHPT (and former museum and art gallery director), Greg McManus, Director of Rotorua Museum and MA Board member, and Ian Athfield, prominent New Zealand architect.
Q: What qualifies as a museum project?
A: A project does not only have to be an exhibition. There are lots of exciting initiatives going on such as education programmes, public events, interpretation and research projects. We welcome entries from all projects which contribute to the museum and gallery sector.
Q: How many awards will be made in the Museum Achievement category?
A: The judges will be asked to look for particular qualities, including technology, innovation, design and small museum project. The number of awards made will depend on merit, and the judges may decide not to make an award in some of areas – or to recognise other achievements.
Q: How can you compare the work of museums with larger budgets to smaller museums with stretched resources?
A: The awards celebrate the unique and creative ways museums bring collections and stories to life - this does not always require big budgets. In addition, this year we have the option to specifically recognise smaller museums.
Q: Can I nominate a museum or person for the awards?
A: All nominations must come from Museums Aotearoa members. If you are not a member but would like to be involved, either go and talk to your local museum, or contact Museums Aotearoa.
If you have any questions about the awards which you think would be of interest and/or benefit to others, contact us and we may publish them here.
Stay up to date
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or contact us:
mail@museumsaotearoa.org.nz
(04) 499 1313
Awards Background
From 2008 annual Museums Aotearoa Awards have been presented to celebrate individuals and organisations who achieve excellence in the museum and gallery sector in New Zealand.
The Awards are open to individual or museum members of Museums Aotearoa, and are intended to:
- encourage continuous improvement and development of museums and galleries
- inspire and recognise best practice and innovation
- acknowledge the contribution made by individuals to their institutions and to the gallery and museum sector
- enhance the profile of galleries and museums in local and wider communities
From 2008 - 2010 there have been three New Zealand Museum Award categories:
(full details of previous awards, winners and finalists is here)
Individual Achievement Award
For an individual who has made an outstanding contribution, initiative or development that has led to the improvement of an organisation or the wider museum sector in Aotearoa New Zealand. Entry is by nomination.
Innovation Achievement Award
For an individual or team who has made an outstanding contribution towards innovation, particularly through the use of technology, in the museum sector in Aotearoa New Zealand.
Selecon Award for Exhibition Excellence
For a team or organisation for an outstanding new exhibition/s and/or visitor programme that contributes to best practice in the museum sector in Aotearoa New Zealand, and demonstrates excellence, relevance and vision particularly in lighting design. The winner receives a generous prize package from Selecon, giving one person the opportunity to visit designers/exhibition experts in Melbourne, Australia.