Victorian Museums and Galleries Awards
ABOUT THE AWARDS
Since 1994, the Victorian Museums and Galleries Awards have recognised and celebrated excellence across the sector. These awards honour the individuals, presenting organisations, and collecting institutions that strengthen Victoria’s creative and cultural industries through outstanding work and a commitment to best practice.
AMaGA Victoria and the Public Galleries Association of Victoria (PGAV) are proud to present the Awards in partnership. From groundbreaking exhibitions to community-driven initiatives, each nomination reflects the dedication and creativity shaping Victoria's cultural landscape.
From 2027 onwards, the Awards will recognise projects or contributions from the preceding calendar year.
THE CATEGORIES
The Victorian Museums and Galleries 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.
Every year, we present a total of 11 awards to individuals and organisations who have made exceptional contributions to their field. There are four individual awards and seven project-based awards. Three of the Awards have been generously supported by our long-time industry sponsor, Archival Survival (identified by an asterisk).
Each of the following award categories is accompanied by a set of guidelines, as well as an individual nomination form.
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The Project of the Year Awards recognise outstanding achievements in the museum and gallery sector. These awards celebrate innovative projects that have made a significant impact on the sector, such as the development of new exhibitions, the introduction of innovative technologies, or the creation of new museum or gallery spaces. They also acknowledge the hard work and dedication of museum and gallery professionals, as well as their commitment to creating engaging, innovative and informative experiences for members of their communities and the sector more broadly.
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Project of any budget undertaken by a volunteer-run museum or gallery.
Proudly sponsored by Archival Survival. -
Project budget: Up to $150,000
Proudly sponsored by Archival Survival.
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Project budget: Up to $150,000
Proudly sponsored by Archival Survival.
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Project budget: $150,000 - $500,000
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Project budget: $150,000 - $500,000
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Project budget: $500,000+
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The First Nations Project of the Year Award acknowledges and celebrates the outstanding efforts of individuals, groups, and institutions who demonstrate a commitment to placing First Nations first – advancing and showcasing First Nations art, artists, culture, and history. This award recognises innovative projects that foster meaningful and respectful collaborations between cultural institutions and First Nations communities, as well as those that demonstrate a clear understanding of and engagement with the contemporary issues of First Nations people.
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The individual awards celebrate the people behind the sector, recognising volunteers, practitioners, and leaders whose dedication, innovation, and impact have shaped Victoria's museums and galleries. From first-time volunteers to those with decades of service, these awards acknowledge the individuals who drive change, build community, and leave a lasting mark on the sector.
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The Volunteer of the Year Award recognises the invaluable contributions of volunteers to the museum and gallery sector. This award celebrates the hard work and dedication of volunteers who have made a significant impact on their institution and the community they serve. Volunteers play a crucial role in the sector, providing support in a variety of areas such as education, programming, and visitor services. This award celebrates the efforts of individuals who go above and beyond in their role as a volunteer to make a positive impact on the sector and the diverse communities it serves.
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The Change-maker of the Year Award recognises individuals who have made outstanding contributions towards advancing the sector. This award provides a unique opportunity to celebrate the visionaries who are pushing boundaries, challenging norms, and creating new possibilities for museums and galleries in Victoria and beyond.
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Martin Hallett (1945-2019) was a former senior manager for the Victorian Cultural Network at Creative Victoria, deputy chief executive of Museums Victoria, curator emeritus, and lifelong champion of public collections, community engagement and empowerment.
The Martin Hallett Award for Community Engagement recognises individuals who, like Martin, have demonstrated a commitment to and championing of increased access to collections and exhibitions for all Victorians. This award shines a light on those who have worked to increase public accessibility to collections, finding innovative ways to employ collections as tools for education, inspiration, and social change.
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The Lifetime Achievement Award recognises individuals who have made a significant and lasting impact on the museum and gallery sector over the course of their career. This award celebrates exceptional individual accomplishments and contributions demonstrated through diverse pathways, such as leadership, management, advocacy, infrastructure, exhibitions and programs, collection care and development, and education. Recipients of this award serve as role models for the museum and gallery community and exemplify the best of the sector.
THE 2027 AWARDS
Nominations for the 2027 Awards will open in late 2026.
2026 WEBINAR
In this recording of the 2026 Victorian Museums and Galleries Awards Information Session, you’ll hear from Anne Robertson (PGAV) and Ash Robertson (AMaGA Victoria) who will discuss the award categories, guidelines – including the new selection criteria, and tips on how to make a strong nomination.
PREVIOUS AWARDS
Want to see how past winners have shaped Victoria’s cultural landscape? Explore the previous Victorian Museums and Galleries Awards and discover the inspiring projects and individuals celebrated over the years!
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Hosted by proud Butchulla, Mununjhali and Woppaburra woman, artist, comedian, and playwright, Janty Blair, winners of the 2026 Victorian Museums and Galleries Awards were announced at a gala ceremony held on Tuesday 28 April at Australian Centre for Contemporary Art (ACCA).
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Hosted by Australian comedian, composer, and broadcaster Sammy J, winners of the 2024 Victorian Museums and Galleries Awards were announced at a gala ceremony held on Tuesday 1 October at Science Gallery Melbourne – where art and science collide.
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Hosted by vibrant radio broadcaster Jacinta Parsons, the winners of the 2023 Victorian Museums and Galleries Awards were announced on 10 October at a gala ceremony - the sector's night of nights - held at ACMI.
