By Museum of Oxford Shortlisted for Two Museum and Heritage Awards
The Museum of Oxford is the only museum dedicated to telling the story of Oxford and its people with the collection including a range of archaeological and social history objects ranging from Roman pottery to marmalade jars.
Today, Oxford City Council has announced that the Museum has been shortlisted for two of this year’s Museum and Heritage awards, the Sustainable Project of the Year and Volunteer of the Year Awards.
Councillor Mary Clarkson, Cabinet Member for City Centre, Covered Market and Culture
“I am delighted that the Museum of Oxford has punched so far above its weight in being shortlisted for these awards. To be placed amongst the household names of the heritage sector is a great achievement. Oxford City Council and our Museum remain committed to working with best practices for our local communities and environment.”
Sustainable Project of the Year
The Museum’s “Queering Spires: a history of LGBTIQA+ spaces in Oxford” exhibition is one of six in the UK to have been shortlisted for the National Lottery Heritage Fund’s inaugural Museums and Heritage Sustainable Project of the Year Award.
This exhibition celebrates the most outstanding environmentally sustainable initiative, project or exhibition in the heritage sector, and the Museum of Oxford features alongside other prestigious institutions including the British Museum, the National Trust and the Imperial War Museums.
The Museum was shortlisted for its initiative to reduce waste from the temporary exhibition, which was comprised of materials that were both socially and environmentally responsible. Most of its elements were borrowed or reused; furniture and décor were second-hand, a new art piece was made from recycled materials and plinths were reused from previous exhibitions.
The exhibition was praised for its sustainability as most objects were delivered by public transport and bicycles, and printing was provided by a local company.
Volunteer of the Year Award
The Museum of Oxford’s volunteer, Miriam, has been shortlisted for the Museum + Heritage Volunteer of the Year award.
Miriam has been celebrated by staff for her authentic quality when engaging with people, particularly in diverse groups such as at the Museum’s Tea and Talk sessions. She has played a vital role in helping vulnerable community members feel welcomed and included.
She has also played a key role in delivering outreach sessions, engaging a large number of families with the Museum’s Anglo-Saxon collection, enhancing the learning experiences of Oxford’s diverse communities.
Councillor Mary Clarkson adds:
“Congratulations to Miriam for demonstrating these qualities so well. Her efforts have made such a positive difference to our elderly and youth-led museum initiatives alike.”
The winners of both awards will be announced on 22 September.
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