Shortlisted nominees have now been announced for the 24th annual Museums + Heritage Awards which celebrate excellence across museums, galleries and cultural and heritage visitor attractions worldwide.
This year’s shortlist for the event, sponsored by Altair Media Ltd., reflects the extraordinary breadth of the sector, with entries from across the UK and cultural organisations in ten other countries. Among the standout UK nominees is Wolverhampton Arts and Culture, recognised in the Volunteer(s) of the Year category for its’ Volunteer Visitor Ambassadors’ programme which has become a source of pride for the city and a model for community‑centred cultural engagement.
An independent panel of nine judges selected finalists across 19 categories, representing institutions ranging from the Fitzwilliam Museum and Jane Austen’s House to major national organisations such as the Natural History Museum. The most competitive category this year, Community Engagement Programme of the Year, received a record number of entries, demonstrating the sector’s growing commitment to meaningful, collaborative work with local communities.
Wolverhampton Arts and Culture service has 50 active volunteers who collectively contribute an impressive 16,000 hours annually to support the Gallery. Councillor Chris Burden, cabinet member for City Development, Jobs and Skills, said: “Wolverhampton’s nomination at this year’s Museums + Heritage Awards is a tremendous achievement and a real testament to the passion and dedication of our Volunteer Visitor Ambassadors.
“They represent the very best of our city: warm, welcoming and deeply committed to sharing Wolverhampton’s stories with visitors. To see their work recognised on a national stage is something the whole city can take pride in, and it highlights the vital role that culture and community play in shaping Wolverhampton’s future.”
Anna Preedy, Director of the Museums + Heritage Awards, said: “This year, we received a record number of entries to the Awards which has been fantastic to see. I was particularly struck by how competitive the Community Engagement category has become.
“Museums and cultural organisations increasingly act as welcoming spaces at the heart of their communities, and it has been inspiring to see how many projects have been developed in genuine collaboration with those communities.” The Gallery works closely with local organisations to ensure the programme is accessible to all, including individuals with SEND or additional needs.
Volunteers are supported every step of the way and many have gone on to further education, employment or simply found a renewed sense of purpose through their involvement. From welcoming visitors and supporting exhibitions to assisting with workshops and events, volunteers play a vital role in shaping the Gallery’s cultural offering.; their contributions have not only enriched the visitor experience but also transformed their own lives.