Best of the West Awards 2010

Celebrating innovation and excellence in regional museums

Introduction

Renaissance is the Museums, Libraries and Archives (MLA) Council’s groundbreakingprogramme to transform

England's regional museums. For the first time ever,investment from central government is helping regional museums across the country toraise their standards and deliver real results in support of education, learning,community development and economic regeneration. A network of 'Hubs' has been setup in each English region to act as flagship museums and help promote good practice.Alongside the Hubs, MLA Regional Agencies and Museum Development Officers areproviding advice and support, Subject Specialist Networks have been set up, andnational museums are sharing their skills and collections to ensure Renaissancebenefits the entire museums sector. Renaissance is helping museums to meet people'schanging needs - and to change people's lives.The West Midlands Hub is a partnership between Birmingham Museums and ArtGallery, The Herbert, Ironbridge Gorge Museum Trust, Stoke-on-Trent Museums andWolverhampton Arts and Museums.For more information, visitwww.renaissancewestmidlands.org.uk(site currentlyundergoing a re-vamp!)

The Awards

A new awards programme for all museums, galleries and heritage groups in the WestMidlands, including independent, local authority and volunteer-run organisations, waslaunched in 2008. 2010 will see the third annual ‘Best of the West’ awards. TheAwards celebrate achievements and reward best practice in the region’s museums andgalleries.The Best of the West Awards will be judged by an independent panel and presented ata regional awards ceremony. Category winners will receive a cash prize and theoverall winner will receive an award specially commissioned for the occasion from adesigner-maker. Winners and shortlisted entries will receive a certificate recognisingtheir achievement and be promoted regionally and nationally through Renaissance.The entry categories are: Best Permanent Exhibition, Best Temporary Exhibition, BestExhibition on a Very Small Budget, Inspiration, Inspiration on a Small Budget,Outstanding Individual, Outstanding Volunteer, Outstanding Volunteer-Run Museum,Outstanding Team, Investment in the Workforce, Friends/Supporters’ Group, Best of the West.