Australian Museums and Galleries Association Inc

THE VOLUNTEER AWARD

The AMaGA Volunteer Award recognises the outstanding contributions of individual volunteers who have demonstrated exceptional innovation, leadership, and impact within the museum and gallery sector. Volunteers dedicate their time, energy, and expertise to advancing the purpose of cultural organisations, often making a substantial impact on its ability to fulfil its purpose and enrich the communities it serves.

ELIGIBILITY

The AMaGA Volunteer Award welcomes entries from a diverse range of non-commercial collecting institutions across Australia, including but not limited to museums, galleries, libraries, archives, and historical societies. Nominations must be submitted by an organisation, association, or non-profit company, and not by individuals; however, individuals may be nominated for the Volunteer Award.

Further eligibility clarification:

Commercial galleries, auction houses, and publishing interests are not eligible.
Only AMaGA members are eligible to nominate.
Nominees must have demonstrated sustained commitment to volunteering within the sector.
The Volunteer Award may be presented annually or as a lifetime achievement award, recognising either a specific year of exceptional service or a lifetime of dedication to the cultural sector.

ASSESSMENT CRITERIA

INNOVATION: The volunteer demonstrates an innovative approach to their volunteering activities. This could include developing new programs or finding creative solutions to challenges faced by the museum or gallery.
LEADERSHIP: The volunteer demonstrates leadership skills, such as inspiring and motivating others to get involved in volunteering activities, or taking on a leadership role within the volunteer team.
IMPACT: The volunteer has made a significant impact on the sector. This could include increasing visitor numbers, improving the quality of visitor experiences, or facilitating collaborative engagement or initiatives.

HOW TO ENTER

Preview the 2026 Individual Award Questionnaire for a copy of the nomination form.
Access the nomination form from Thursday 28 May 2026.
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.
Your submission will be reviewed and by the AMaGA National Council.
Applications close Sunday 16 August 2026.
Winners will be announced at the Awards Dinner during the AMaGA National conference in Canberra on Tuesday 3 November 2026.

SUBMISSION CRITERIA	INCLUSIONS
Nominee details	Provide the name and contact details of the nominated organisation/individual.
Nominator details	Provide the name and contact details of the nominating organisation.
Assessment criteria	Address each of the three assessment criteria, outlining the nominee's contributions, achievements and outcomes.
Support materials	Attach supporting documents as follows: Images (required): Attach three (3) high-resolution (300dpi) digital images as separate files, which may be used for promotional use. Please ensure that permissions have been sought prior to uploading images, and be sure to provide credit details (photographer and, where relevant, artist details), brief captions, and requirements for cultural sensitivity warnings (if applicable). Letters of support (required): Up to two (2) letters of support endorsing the individual or organisation as worthy of the nomination. Other (optional): Provide up to three (3) pages of material that supports the nomination. This can include press clippings, publications, other industry awards, etc.

NOMINATION FEES

Nominations for the Patrons Award are free of charge.

ADDITIONAL CONDITIONS OF ENTRY

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.
In the event that a nominee is not selected for a Volunteer Award, they will not receive notification of the nomination nor the outcome. However, if a nominee is selected for a Volunteer Award, AMaGA will maintain the confidentiality of the nomination details until we have informed the nominating organisation. AMaGA will also seek the nominee's approval for which information is disclosed and shared publicly for announcements, presentations, or any other purposes.
All nominations will be credited as per the information provided on the entry forms, and it is imperative you ensure accurate listing of names.
Nominations will be reviewed and assessed by members of AMaGA National Council.
The Council reserves the right to not grant an award if it considers one is not merited, or to grant a joint award. Decisions made by the Council are final.