Hosted by vibrant radio broadcaster Jacinta Parsons and featuring a Welcome to Country by Aunty Joy Murphy Wandin and warm words from Minister for Creative Industries Colin Brooks, the winners of the 2023 Victorian Museums and Galleries Awards were announced on Tuesday at a gala ceremony - the sector's night of nights - held at ACMI.
This year marks the first time Australian Museums and Galleries Association Victoria (AMaGA Victoria) and Public Galleries Association of Victoria (PGAV) have partnered to deliver the Victorian Museums and Galleries Awards. Now celebrating their 30th year, the Awards recognise and celebrate excellence across the sector. They seek to reward presenting and collecting organisations and the individuals who support and strengthen Victoria’s creative and cultural industries through outstanding work and a commitment to best practice.
2023 VICTORIAN MUSEUMS AND GALLERIES AWARDS RECIPIENTS
Volunteer of the Year Award
Image: Volunteer of the Year Award winner Tammy Nguyen, Vietnamese Museum Australia, with Jacinta Parsons, Emcee. Simon Peter Fox Photography
WINNER: Tammy Nguyen, Vietnamese Museum Australia
Tammy is Head of Museum Operations at the Vietnamese Museum Australia. She is a remarkable volunteer and leader who inspires and motivates others through her charisma and dedication. Tammy fosters collaboration with diverse communities, organises meaningful events, and fundraises for charitable causes. As a member of the Vietnamese Australian Professional Network, she also bridges generational and cultural gaps, nurturing a vibrant volunteer community.
The judges commended Tammy for her dedication in realising a community museum, showcasing her remarkable leadership, active committee participation, and collaboration with various organisations to bring this vision to fruition.
Martin Hallett Award for Community Engagement
Image: Martin Hallett Award for Community Engagement winner, Sherene Hassan, Islamic Museum of Australia, with Jacinta Parsons, Emcee. Simon Peter Fox Photography
WINNER: Sherene Hassan, Islamic Museum of Australia
Sherene is the Director of Community and Education Engagement at the Islamic Museum of Australia (IMA). Sherene has been instrumental to IMA, contributing greatly to its success through community outreach, cultural training, and educational programs. Her input in gallery content has made it an inclusive space for all to learn about Islam.
The judges praised Sherene as a crucial figure in promoting intercultural collaboration by educating school students and others about Australia's Islamic community, contributing significantly to reducing racism and Islamophobia while fostering cultural awareness, making her an invaluable asset to the museum sector.
Change-maker of the Year Award
Image: Change-maker of the Year Award winner Rose Hiscock, The University of Melbourne, with Jacinta Parsons, Emcee. Simon Peter Fox Photography
WINNER: Rose Hiscock, The University of Melbourne
In 2016, Rose was appointed as Director, Museums and Collections to lead the development of the Science Gallery. Her work led to the formation of the Museums and Collections department, opening of the Science Gallery, and the ongoing development of an Indigenous-led Place for Indigenous arts.
The judges noted that Rose has achieved a remarkable feat by centralising the university's collections, displaying exceptional leadership, innovation, and collaboration, which are essential for the successful execution of this challenging endeavour.
Roslyn Lawry Award
Image: Roslyn Lawry Award winner, Meghan Grech, with Professor Andrea Witcomb. Simon Peter Fox Photography
WINNER: Meghan Grech for excellence in Cultural Heritage and Museums Studies
Meghan was recognised for excellence for her work and show of dedication within Deakin University's Cultural Heritage and Museums Studies Program.
Volunteer-run Project of the Year
Image: Volunteer-run Project of the Year winner Queenscliffe Historical Society (Stephen Lee), with Angela Henricksen, Archival Survival. Simon Peter Fox Photography
WINNER: Queenscliffe Historical Society for their exhibition Queenscliffe Revealed: Hidden Histories, New Narratives
Opened in September 2022 as part of the Queenscliffe HUB project, this exhibition, researched and curated by QHM volunteers on a limited budget, featured three main themes and 26 stories, offering insights into the history of the Wadawurrung, Queenscliffe, and Point Lonsdale regions.
The judges noted that Queenscliffe Revealed is a wonderful project with an impressive number of local stories developed and researched for it to tell the history of the community.
HIGHLY COMMENDED: Women’s Art Register for their publication Leaving Your Legacy: A Guide for Australian Artists
The judges commended the Women's Art Register for this excellent project. They noted that the publication has relevant and real outcomes, using multiple platforms to educate the community -- very well done.
Small Project of the Year (Museum)
Image: Small Project of the Year (Museum) winner Yarra Ranges Regional Museum (Megan Sheehy), with Angela Henricksen, Archival Survival. Simon Peter Fox Photography
WINNER: Yarra Ranges Regional Museum for their exhibition Hard Place/Good Place: Yarra Ranges
The result of cross-sector collaboration and a minimal budget, this exhibition showcased augmented reality stories created by local young people affected by a severe windstorm in the Dandenong Ranges in June 2021. It aimed to address community issues such as climate change and mental health, contributing to the healing and recovery process after the storm's first anniversary.
The judges noted that this exhibition highlights successful collaboration between university partners and participants, with a strong emphasis on engaging stakeholder communities and demonstrating the project's lasting relevance, particularly in the context of climate change. It underscores the essential role cultural organisations can play in their communities during times of crisis.
HIGHLY COMMENDED: Shrine of Remembrance for their exhibition Defending with Pride
The judges noted that Defending with Pride serves as a great illustration of how cultural organisations can influence attitudes and beliefs, showcasing the Shrine's effective engagement with stakeholder communities, with clear and compelling evidence of its impact.
Small Project of the Year (Gallery)
Image: Small Project of the Year (Gallery) winner RMIT Culture (Helen Rayment), with Angela Henricksen, Archival Survival. Simon Peter Fox Photography
WINNER: RMIT Culture for Radical Utopia, The Design Archaeology of a Creative City
This collaborative project between RMIT Design Archives and RMIT Gallery resulted in an exhibition, public programming, and scholarly journal edition. It delved into how 1980s Melbourne designers pioneered innovative creative practices through design activism, public discourse, exhibitions, publications, and new media, ultimately leading to the development of digital creative practices and establishing Melbourne as a global leader in the field, particularly in gaming.
The judges praised the collaboration between RMIT Culture and RMIT Design Archives for the "Radical Utopia" exhibition, highlighting its exploration of 1980s Melbourne designers' creative practices and the educational value of the accompanying expanded edition of the RMIT Design Archives Journal.
HIGHLY COMMENDED: Hamilton Gallery for their exhibition Luminous: John Orval, Stained Glass Artist
The judges noted that Hamilton Gallery has accomplished an ambitious project with limited resources, and their scholarly approach to exhibition-making has left an impact on audiences and made a significant contribution to Australian art history.
Medium Project of the Year (Museum)
Image: Medium Project of the Year (Museum) winner Museums Victoria (L-R: Kimberley Moulton, Justice Nelson, and Rhiannon Williams), with Jacinta Parsons, Emcee. Simon Peter Fox Photography
WINNER: Museums Victoria for their exhibition More Than a Tarrang (tree): Memory, Material, Cultural Agency
This exhibition connects memory, material practice, and cultural agency, featuring ancestral belongings, artworks, and new pieces by senior and emerging artists, while also promoting a deeper understanding of trees as more than mere objects and fostering the regeneration of knowledge of Country.
The judges noted that this exhibition represents a remarkable First Peoples-led collaboration between museums and academia, challenging traditional norms and yielding an innovative outcome that beautifully merges natural and First Nations heritage. It is truly awe-inspiring and outstanding.
HIGHLY COMMENDED: Bonegilla Migrant Experience for their exhibition The Bonegilla ID Cards
The judges commended Bonegilla Migrant Experience for their innovative design and interactive elements that immerse visitors in the migrant experience, encouraging reflection and engagement. The exhibition also showcases the project's collaborative nature and the possibilities of collections digitisation for future exhibitions.
Medium Project of the Year (Gallery)
Image: Medium Project of the Year (Gallery) winner Art Gallery of Ballarat (L-R: Ben Cox and David Herman), with Jacinta Parsons, Emcee. Simon Peter Fox Photography
WINNER: Art Gallery of Ballarat for their exhibition Beating About The Bush: A new lens on Australian Impressionism
The enduring appeal of Australian plein-air landscape paintings has shaped our perception of the Australian landscape. However, female artists and lesser-known male artists associated with this group have often been marginalised in art history. The exhibition, inspired by various influences, seeks to challenge these historical biases by presenting works by female Australian Impressionist artists and contemporary female photographers, allowing for a more comprehensive representation of the period and challenging prevailing myths.
The judges noted that this exhibition provided a meaningful reinterpretation of the gallery's collection. The gallery capitalised on the opportunity by filling gaps in their collection of Australian female Impressionist painters and contemporary female photographers, as well as conducting conservation work on significant artworks and frames.
HIGHLY COMMENDED: TarraWarra Museum of Art for their exhibition TarraWarra Biennial 2023: ua usiusi fa'ava'asavili, curated by Dr Leuli Eshragi.
The judges noted that the exhibition shows a commitment to championing new voices in the field and exemplifying an innovative curatorial model – sparking conversations about Indigenous aesthetics and practices across Australia and in neighbouring Asia and Oceania.
Large Project of the Year
Image: Large Project of the Year winner Museums Victoria (Linda Sproul), with Jacinta Parsons, Emcee. Simon Peter Fox Photography
WINNER: Museums Victoria for their exhibition Tyama: A deeper sense of knowing
The exhibition transports you to Victoria’s nocturnal worlds, immersing you in 360-degree responsive projections, breathtaking effects, and exquisite soundscapes. Tyama is the Keerray Woorroong language verb ‘to know’. It is about knowing, not just with our minds, but with our whole body.
The judges called this an exciting exhibition that showcases how larger cultural organisations can harness cutting-edge technology to innovate in exhibition display and visitor experience while honouring First Peoples' traditions and knowledge. It offers a rich and resonating experience that has captivated audiences.
HIGHLY COMMENDED: Central Goldfields Art Gallery for the Gallery Redevelopment Project
The judges note that this project serves as an exciting illustration of the positive impact and increased community engagement achievable through substantial redevelopment efforts by cultural organisations. By revitalising existing structures and fostering stronger connections with community stakeholders, the project has positioned the Art Gallery favourably to continue fulfilling its social role in the region.
First Nations Project of the Year
Image: First Nations Project of the Year winner Daylesford and District Historical Society (Gary Lawrence), with Jacinta Parsons, Emcee. Simon Peter Fox Photography
WINNER: Daylesford and District Historical Society with Djaara Elder Uncle Rick Nelson for their exhibition Coranderrk Portraits
This exhibition offers a rare opportunity to reflect on the impact of colonisation and forced removal on the Dja Dja Wurrung people and their communities. It features portraits of Dja Dja Wurrung ancestors from circa 1866 and includes a narrated film led by Djaara Elder Uncle Rick Nelson and Professor Barry Golding, taking visitors on a truth-seeking journey across significant sites. The exhibition is complemented by storyboards, videos, images, text, and artefacts that delve into the Dja Dja Wurrung story and Coranderrk history.
Initiated by Uncle Rick Nelson, the judges noted that this project showcases impactful local collaboration and dialogue led by Elders and First Peoples, bridging cultural divides, decolonising spaces, and reconnecting Djaara Ancestors with their community through powerful ancestral portraits. Involving young children in interpreting the artwork adds an inter-generational dimension to this small-scale initiative with a strong community spirit.
HIGHLY COMMENDED: Bundoora Homestead Art Centre for their Truth-telling Permanent History Display
The judges noted that this project highlights the role of arts and cultural institutions in bridging gaps between Traditional Owners and local councils, offering a lasting resource that affirms Indigenous stories, decolonises spaces, and fosters reconciliation and collaboration. Kudos to all involved for their dedicated three-year effort.
HIGHLY COMMENDED: Krowathunkooloong Keeping Place for the Repatriation of Gunai Kurnai GRI (canoe) project
The judges said that this project achieved significant national and international impact through its repatriation efforts, emphasising the importance of returning cultural materials. The strong relationship with TMAG and the Tasmanian Aboriginal community is fundamental to the project's success, contributing to community strengthening, care, and well-being. This work serves as a noteworthy example of community-driven repatriation and is part of a growing global momentum in the repatriation of material culture.
REACCREDITATION RECIPIENTS
Twelve organisations were Reaccredited this year, continuing to meet the standards for professional operations in alignment with the National Standards for Australian Museums and Galleries. They are:
Community Museum Accreditation Program
- Doncaster and Templestowe Historical Society
- Knox Historical Society
- Nepean Historical Society
- National Alpine Museum
Museum Accreditation Program
- Beechworth Burke Museum
- Burrinja Dandenong Ranges Cultural Centre
- Coal Creek Community Park and Museum
- National Trust of Australia (Victoria)
- Como House and Garden
- Old Melbourne Gaol
- Polly Woodside
- Rippon Lea Estate
- The Dax Centre
Victorian museums and galleries have been supported through Accreditation for 30 years. The Programs guide on-going development and bring about positive change by supporting organisations to preserve and manage collections and enrich community experiences.
Congratulations to all Awards and Accreditation recipients, to all Highly Commended organisations, and thank you to all our fantastic nominees. The outstanding quality of the nominations received testifies to the extraordinary vitality of the Victorian museum and gallery sector.
