Prestigious Family Friendly Museum Awards Shortlists Wakefield Museum

Wakefield Museum is celebrating a significant achievement as it has been shortlisted for two highly esteemed Kids in Museums Family Friendly Museum awards. This recognition underscores the museum's dedication to being an inclusive and engaging space for families and children.

Notably, Wakefield Museum is the only institution to be nominated in more than one category, highlighting its exceptional efforts in multiple areas.

A Milestone for Wakefield Museum

Wakefield Museum's shortlist for the Kids in Museums Family Friendly Museum awards is a testament to its commitment to accessibility and youth engagement. Councillor Michelle Collins, Wakefield Council’s Cabinet Member for Culture, Leisure, and Sport, expressed pride in the museum's achievements, emphasizing the recognition by a national charity for their efforts in making the museum accessible and engaging for underrepresented young people in the district.

The awards spotlight the museum's work in two key categories: Best Accessible Museum and Best Museum Youth Group. The museum's unique distinction of being shortlisted in both categories underscores its holistic approach to family and youth engagement.

The Kids in Museums Family Friendly Museum Awards

The Kids in Museums charity has been running the Family Friendly Museum awards since 2004, recognizing the most welcoming and inclusive heritage sites across the UK. The awards process involves public voting and expert evaluation, ensuring that the shortlisted museums truly resonate with families and meet high standards of accessibility and engagement.

From late March to early June, families and museum enthusiasts across the UK voted for their favorite heritage attractions on the Kids in Museums website. A panel of experts then reviewed the nominations, narrowing the field to a shortlist of 19 attractions, including Wakefield Museum.

Best Accessible Museum and Best Museum Youth Group

This year, a new category, Best Museum Youth Group, was introduced to celebrate meaningful collaborations between museums and young people. This award acknowledges long-term, impactful initiatives such as youth panels, volunteer schemes, and cultural clubs. Wakefield Museum's nomination in this category is a recognition of its successful engagement with young people through projects like "Wakefield: Where We Are…" and the establishment of a Youth Forum.

The museum is competing against three other institutions for the Best Museum Youth Group award and two others for the Best Accessible Museum category. These nominations reflect Wakefield Museum's dedication to creating a welcoming environment for all visitors.

Wakefield: Where We Are…

In 2023, Wakefield Museum launched the "Wakefield: Where We Are…" project, in partnership with the British Museum and the Youth Association. This initiative aimed to involve young people aged 16 to 25 in arts and culture through a 12-week program of artistic activities. The project culminated in a co-produced display at the museum, showcasing the creativity and perspectives of the participating youth. This project not only engaged young people but also laid the foundation for the museum's Youth Forum, which continues to influence the museum's operations.

Enhancing Accessibility at Wakefield Museum

Wakefield Museum has also made significant strides in enhancing accessibility. The museum offers weekly relaxed openings, workshops, and activities tailored for individuals with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). Additionally, a Special Home Education program and Pick and Mix stations with accessible resources have been introduced to ensure that diverse visitors can fully enjoy the museum's offerings.

These initiatives demonstrate the museum's commitment to meeting the needs of all visitors and creating an inclusive environment. Over the summer, the museum will be evaluated by an expert panel and mystery shoppers to assess its Youth Group and accessibility efforts, respectively.

Looking Ahead

The winners of the Kids in Museums Family Friendly Museum awards will be announced at a ceremony in October. The Wakefield Museum team is eagerly anticipating the results and is honored to be recognized for their hard work and dedication to making the museum a welcoming space for families and young people.

For those interested in following the awards and supporting Wakefield Museum, updates can be found on social media under @kidsinmuseums and #FamilyFriendlyMuseum.

Wakefield Museum and Its Community

Wakefield Museum is one of three museums and two castles managed by Wakefield Council. It offers visitors a chance to explore diverse exhibits, from the life of a 19th-century prisoner to the region's rugby heritage. The museum's Front Room encourages intergenerational play, while the Special Exhibition gallery hosts a rotating schedule of co-produced exhibitions, ensuring there is always something new to discover.

The museum's recognition by Kids in Museums is a significant milestone, highlighting its role as a vital cultural and educational resource in the community.

Supporting Organisations

The Family Friendly Museum awards are made possible with funding from Arts Council England, the national development agency for creativity and culture. The Arts Council supports a broad range of cultural experiences and aims to ensure that everyone has access to high-quality cultural opportunities.

Wakefield Museum's achievements reflect the broader goals of these supporting organizations, demonstrating the impact of dedicated efforts to enhance accessibility and youth engagement in cultural institutions.