Submissions for the 2021 Awards close on the 31st March, with this year’s application process having been simplified and many fees reduced or scrapped to remove barriers to entry. Several pandemic-specific categories have also been introduced in light of 2020’s unique struggles.
“It is both exciting and rewarding for us to highlight the sector’s bold, creative responses to the most challenging of times”, notes Anna Preedy, director of the Museums + Heritage Awards.
“My message to all those considering submitting an entry is not to miss out on richly deserved recognition. We want to share and celebrate the projects and people who have once again shown just how remarkable this industry is.”
2021 categories
COVID Special Recognition Award
Eligibility dates: 23 March 2020 to 31 March 2021
Entry fee: free to enter
COVID Best Supplier Award
Eligibility dates: 23 March 2020 to 31 March 2021
Entry fee: free to enter
Volunteer(s) of the Year in partnership with Association of Independent Museums
Eligibility dates: 1 January to 31 December 2020
Entry fee: free to enter
The Pandemic Pivot Award >20 Paid FTE Employees
Eligibility dates: 23 March 2020 to 31 March 2021
Entry fee: free to enter
The Pandemic Pivot Award <20 Paid FTE Employees
Eligibility dates: 23 March 2020 to 31 March 2021
Entry fee: free to enter
Fundraising Award
Eligibility dates: 1 January to 31 December 2020
Entry fee: free to enter
Sustainable Project of the Year sponsored by National Lottery Heritage Fund
Eligibility dates: 1 January to 31 December 2020
Entry fee: free to enter
Community Impact Award
Eligibility dates: 1 January to 31 December 2020
Entry fee: £90 + VAT
Learning Outreach Award
Eligibility dates: 1 January to 31 December 2020
Entry fee: £90 + VAT
Best Use of Digital – UK
Eligibility dates: 1 January to 31 December 2020
Entry fee: £90 + VAT
Best Use of Digital – International
Eligibility dates: 1 January to 31 December 2020
Entry fee: £90 + VAT
Best Use of Social Media
Eligibility dates: 1 January to 31 December 2020
Entry fee: £90 + VAT
Partnership of the Year Award
Eligibility dates: 1 January to 31 December 2020
Entry fee: £90 + VAT
Exhibition of the Year – UK
Eligibility dates: 1 January to 31 December 2020
Entry fee: £90 + VAT
International Exhibition of the Year – International
Eligibility dates: 1 January to 31 December 2020
Entry fee: £90 + VAT
Shop of the Year
Eligibility dates: 1 January to 31 December 2020
Entry fee: £90 + VAT
Restoration or Conservation Project of the Year
Eligibility dates: 1 January to 31 December 2020
Entry fee: £90 + VAT
Entries to all this year’s categories can be made here.
Awards judge and ALVA (Association of Leading Visitor Attractions) director Bernard Donoghue also believes there has never been a more important time for the sector to reflect on recent achievements.
“Noël Coward once said everyone deserves a little jam. I can’t think of a time when that was more relevant. Regardless of who you are, you warrant recognition. We must mark who has risen to the challenge and the Museums + Heritage Awards are the perfect way to do this.
“The innovation and ingenuity that’s gone on behind the scenes to excite and entice people back when the sector reopens has been absolutely astonishing. Whether you work in front of house, operations, cleaning, marketing, finance or security, this is your time to shine – you’ve really proved yourself in the last year.”
It has now been confirmed that the 2021 Awards will be hosted by journalist and broadcaster Samira Ahmed, as the virtual ceremony builds on the success of last year’s first ever online edition.
Whoop! Whoop! We are super-pleased to announce that @SamiraAhmedUK, Broadcaster of the Year, Mastermind-winner, creator of #ArtOfPersia, equal-pay campaigner, her CV goes on and on… will be this year's #MandHAwards host! We're beyond delighted! pic.twitter.com/Lte1E4HxCA
— M+H Show & Awards ? ENTER by 31 MAR (@MandHShow) March 23, 2021
All applications are made via the Museums + Heritage Awards online portal, with all relevant details listed and FAQs answered here.
