ELIGIBILITY
The AMaGAs welcome entries from a diverse range of non-commercial collecting institutions across Australia, including but not limited to museums, galleries, libraries, archives, and historical societies. The design-based categories are also open to non-commercial collecting institutions in New Zealand.
Entries must be submitted by an organisation, association, or non-profit company; however, individual contributors are permitted to submit entries on behalf of the organisations with whom they have collaborated. These entries must be submitted under the name of the respective cultural organisation and with their written permission. This collaborative spirit ensures that The AMaGAs accurately recognise and honour the achievements and contributions of the cultural institutions and the creative professionals who collaborate with them.
Further eligibility clarification:
- Commercial galleries, auction houses and publishing interests are not eligible.
- Both members and non-members of AMaGA may participate.
- Entries for design-based categories are defined as printed or electronically designed graphic material intended for public distribution.
- Projects nominated for the 2024 AMaGAs must have been produced between 1 July 2022 and 31 December 2023.
Specific to the First Nations Project Award category, the expectations for any nominated project include:
- First Nations-led development and delivery;
- Implementation of standards and frameworks such as First Peoples: A Roadmap, Indigenous Cultural and Intellectual Property (ICIP), etc., to ensure Indigenous rights are recognised and protected; and
- Encourages First Nations visitors, and/or is delivered in First Nations communities.
AWARD CATEGORIES
PROJECTS | Content and Engagement
| CATEGORY | DEFINITION | EXAMPLE PROJECTS |
|---|---|---|
Community Connection Award |
Recognises projects that excel in community engagement and programming, which interpret and communicate the institution’s collection and stories in innovative ways. |
Community co-curated project, mobile outreach, multilingual/inclusive interpretation project, storytelling workshop, etc. |
Exhibiting Excellence Award |
Recognises institutions that have demonstrated excellence in museum and gallery exhibition initiatives, including research, planning/development, and execution phases. |
Permanent, temporary, or travelling exhibition; community research project; curatorial/collections research; fieldwork, etc. |
First Nations Project Award |
Recognises outstanding projects that focus on or significantly involve First Nations perspectives, knowledges, and communities. These projects are developed for First Nations communities and/or by First Nations people. |
Gallery development, exhibition development, interpretive programming, knowledge-sharing programs, digital learning projects, workshops, etc. |
Social Impact Award |
Recognises projects that have made tangible and positive impacts in response to key societal issues, with outcomes including community well-being, fostering inclusivity and diversity, education, and social awareness. |
Environmental sustainability project, health and well-being project, exhibition, public program, etc. |
PROJECTS | Design-based
| CATEGORY | DEFINITION | EXAMPLE PROJECTS |
|---|---|---|
Art of Expression Award |
Recognises outstanding achievements in the visual and communicative aspects of promoting museums, galleries, or cultural institutions. |
Exhibition promotional design, project or institutional identity/branding, annual reports, information brochure, maps/wayfinding, poster, etc. |
Digital Interface Award |
Recognises projects that demonstrate excellence in leveraging web design to enhance accessibility, engagement, and communication of the institution's or program’s purpose. |
Website created for an institution, website created to accompany a physical exhibition or education program, etc. |
Excellence in Print Award |
Recognises projects that demonstrate exceptional skill and innovation in the design of printed materials and publications that communicate information about exhibitions, collections, and cultural narratives through media. |
Book, exhibition catalogue, magazine, etc. |
e-Excellence in Print Award |
Recognises projects that demonstrate exceptional skill and innovation in the design of digital materials and publications that communicate information about exhibitions, collections, and cultural narratives through media. |
Book, exhibition catalogue, magazine, etc. |
Kids in Print Award |
Recognises projects that demonstrate exceptional creativity and skill in producing visually engaging and informative publications that cater to the unique needs and interests of children and young audiences. |
Book or activity book made for children, etc. |
Moving Image Award |
Recognises projects that excel in leveraging the moving image as a powerful medium for storytelling, education, and engagement. |
Pre-recorded video chat, behind-the-scenes tour, advertising or online/offline sizzle reel, documentary or in-exhibition film, etc. |
Virtual Canvas Award |
Recognises projects that demonstrate excellence in the integration of diverse multimedia formats to enhance engagement, storytelling, and educational experiences within museums, galleries, and cultural institutions. |
Applications for use on mobile device, online exhibition (presented entirely online), streamed or web-based virtual tour, online activity, e-learning program or game, etc. |
ASSESSMENT CRITERIA
- INNOVATIVE: We celebrate initiatives that redefine the norm. Consider how your project has surpassed industry standards, pushed boundaries, or introduced new ways of thinking or doing that will drive the sector forward.
- ACCESSIBLE & EQUITABLE: We recognise the importance of inclusivity. Consider how your project has effectively engaged diverse audiences or championed equitable approaches that ensure accessibility for everyone.
- EMPOWERING: We value placing people first. Consider how your project empowers communities, staff, creators, and the public. Explore how your initiative prioritises the well-being and empowerment of stakeholders over institutional interests.
- LEGACY-BUILDING: We understand the significance of long-term impact. Consider how well your project aligns with your organisational goals and contributes to an on-going legacy, benefiting both the organisation and the communities it serves.
- FOR OUR TIME: We elevate works of relevance. Consider how your project addresses current challenges and needs impacting society, the environment, institutions, etc.
HOW TO ENTER
- Preview the 2024 Awards Questionnaire for a copy of the nomination form.
- Access the nomination form from 12 March 2024.
- Fill in the nomination form and address all submission criteria (listed below). You can save your progress and return to the form at a later time.
- Once complete, submit the nomination form and pay the associated fee.
- For physical design-based projects, package your physical entries and post them to us. You do not need to post anything for electronic entries.
- Your submission will be reviewed and approved by AMaGA.
- Await the shortlist to be announced in mid-August 2024.
| SUBMISSION CRITERIA | INCLUSIONS |
|---|---|
Nominee details |
Provide the nominated organisation's details, including name, contact details, membership status, and size. |
Project details |
Provide the project details, including award category, title, description, budget, and collaborators/partners. |
Assessment criteria |
Address each of the five assessment criteria, outlining project achievements and outcomes. |
Category-specific questions |
Address questions specific to your selected award category, if applicable. |
Support materials |
Attach supporting documents as follows:
|
NOMINATION FEES
Nomination fees apply with discounts provided to members of AMaGA and Museums Aotearoa (only for design-based categories). The figures provided below are exclusive of GST. If you'd like to take advantage of the discounted fees and have yet to join our membership, take a look at how to become an organisational member!
| ORGANISATION SIZE | NO. OF FREE ENTRIES | NON-MEMBER FEE | MEMBER FEE |
|---|---|---|---|
| Volunteer-run organisation (< 1 FTE) | 2 | $20 per additional entry | $10 per additional entry |
| Small organisation (1-10 FTE) | 1 | $35 per additional entry | $25 per additional entry |
| Medium organisation (11-49 FTE) | N/A | $70 per entry | $50 per entry |
| Large organisation (> 50 FTE) | N/A | $100 per entry | $70 per entry |
Additional information:
- More than 5 items receive a discount of 10%.
- More than 10 items receive a discount of 20%.
- While previous awards programs separated submissions by organisational size and operational budgets, the AMaGAs are taking a different approach. From 2024, all submissions in a single category are assessed together. However:
- Categories that receive a large number of submissions (> 10) may be sub-divided into levels (based on project budget).
- The number of sub-divided categories could change each year according to what the sector is producing.
ADDITIONAL CONDITIONS OF ENTRY
General:
- Organisations may submit multiple entries in any category, but discrete project elements (i.e. exhibition catalogue vs exhibition website) will only be assessed in one category.
- By submitting a nomination, the entrant grants permission to AMaGA for the reproduction of winning entries for the purposes of publicity and promotion at no charge; entrants must warrant they have the right to allow such use by AMaGA.
- All nominations will be credited as per the information provided on the entry forms, and it is imperative you ensure accurate listing of names.
- The winner of each category will receive an award and certificate, as well as an acknowledgement on the AMaGA website. Entries of high distinction will be recognised as Highly Commended.
- An independent and impartial judging panel drawn from the museum, gallery, and graphic design sectors will assess the entries.
- The judging panel reserves the right to not grant an award in any category if it considers one is not merited, or to grant a joint award. Decisions made by the panel are final.
Design-based entries:
- Volumes or series of publications may be submitted as one entry (e.g. newsletters, magazines, posters, online).
- One copy of each publication must be supplied in its original form.
- For hard-copy publications, post a single copy to AMaGA National, PO Box 24, West Deakin, ACT 2600. You must include the associated registration number with each submission.
- For multimedia and website entries, provide the URL address for viewing or upload the file when completing the entry form.
- Hard-copy publications must be received at the AMaGA National Office before the specified closing date. Entrants bear the responsibility of ensuring the timely submission, good condition, and accuracy of information for each entry.
- Publications will not be returned. Entries will become the physical property of AMaGA. Entries may be exhibited at the annual National Conference and subsequently sold to raise funds for AMaGA.
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