The 2021 Museums + Heritage Awards will feature major changes to its traditional categories in order to highlight the amazing work undertaken in the sector throughout the Covid-19 pandemic.
The application process has also been simplified and fees waived or reduced across several categories to minimise barriers to entry.
While last year’s Awards ceremony was like no other – becoming the first ever to take place online – plans for the 2021 edition, which will be sponsored by Chargeurs Creative Collection, have undergone wholesale changes as the period of eligibility for entering has been dominated by the pandemic.
Applications can be submitted from 1st February and will remain open until 31st March, with new categories introduced this year including the COVID Special Recognition Award and a two-pronged Pandemic Pivot Award for organisations large and small.
Entry fees have been removed entirely across seven categories as organisers want to ensure nobody shies away from sharing the stories of how they reacted to coronavirus chaos, with eligibility criteria also fine-tuned throughout to optimise each category for these uncharted times.
2021 Awards categories
COVID Special Recognition Award
Eligibility dates: 23 March 2020 to 31 March 2021
Entry fee: free to enter
COVID Best Supplier Award
Eligibility dates: 23 March 2020 to 31 March 2021
Entry fee: free to enter
Volunteer(s) of the Year in partnership with Association of Independent Museums
Eligibility dates: 1 January to 31 December 2020
Entry fee: free to enter
The Pandemic Pivot Award >20 Paid FTE Employees
Eligibility dates: 23 March 2020 to 31 March 2021
Entry fee: free to enter
The Pandemic Pivot Award <20 Paid FTE Employees
Eligibility dates: 23 March 2020 to 31 March 2021
Entry fee: free to enter
Fundraising Award
Eligibility dates: 1 January to 31 December 2020
Entry fee: free to enter
Sustainable Project of the Year sponsored by National Lottery Heritage Fund
Eligibility dates: 1 January to 31 December 2020
Entry fee: free to enter
Community Impact Award
Eligibility dates: 1 January to 31 December 2020
Entry fee: £90 + VAT
Learning Outreach Award
Eligibility dates: 1 January to 31 December 2020
Entry fee: £90 + VAT
Best Use of Digital – UK
Eligibility dates: 1 January to 31 December 2020
Entry fee: £90 + VAT
Best Use of Digital – International
Eligibility dates: 1 January to 31 December 2020
Entry fee: £90 + VAT
Best Use of Social Media
Eligibility dates: 1 January to 31 December 2020
Entry fee: £90 + VAT
Partnership of the Year Award
Eligibility dates: 1 January to 31 December 2020
Entry fee: £90 + VAT
Exhibition of the Year – UK
Eligibility dates: 1 January to 31 December 2020
Entry fee: £90 + VAT
International Exhibition of the Year – International
Eligibility dates: 1 January to 31 December 2020
Entry fee: £90 + VAT
Shop of the Year
Eligibility dates: 1 January to 31 December 2020
Entry fee: £90 + VAT
Restoration or Conservation Project of the Year
Eligibility dates: 1 January to 31 December 2020
Entry fee: £90 + VAT
Sweeping alterations to the tried and trusted formula have been made to provide individuals and organisations the “opportunity to be recognised for bold, creative moves made during exceptionally challenging times”, says Anna Preedy, director of the Museums + Heritage Awards.
The entire 2021 application process has moved online for the first time, recognising that time is at a premium like never before. Twinned with the lowering or removal of entry fees, Preedy hopes this will “make our Awards the most accessible they have ever been”.
A highly successful addition to the 2020 line-up which will return this year is the Sustainable Project of the Year category, established in partnership with National Lottery Heritage Fund. Last year’s inaugural prize was won by Museum of Oxford for Queering Spires: a history of LGBTIQA+ spaces in Oxford.
Applications for the 2021 Awards will open on 1st February and close on the 31st March, with the online ceremony scheduled to take place on 1st July.
