Victorian Museums and Galleries Awards
ABOUT THE PROGRAM
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.
As we enter the 32nd award season, the Victorian Museums and Galleries Awards continue to champion excellence and innovation. In response to AMaGA National adjusting the timing of its National Conference and Awards, we are shifting the Victorian Museums and Galleries Awards to better distinguish the two campaigns. Nominations will open in November 2025, with the Awards Ceremony taking place in April 2026—an annual schedule we will maintain moving forward.
This change provides greater clarity between the two award programs and ensures that Victoria’s museum and gallery sector has a dedicated platform to celebrate its achievements. We encourage organisations to start considering projects for nomination—eligible projects for the 2026 Awards will be those undertaken between July 2024 and December 2025. Applications will close in February 2026.
Stay tuned for further details as we look forward to recognising the innovation, creativity, and impact of Victoria’s cultural institutions in 2026!
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. To view the guidelines, click on the pink "Guidelines" button; and to nominate, click on the orange "Nominate" button.
INDIVIDUALS
Volunteer of the Year
Change-maker of the Year
Martin Hallett Award for Community Engagement
Lifetime Achievement
ORGANISATIONS | PROJECTS
Volunteer-run Project of the Year (Museum/Gallery)*
Small Project of the Year (Museum)*
Small Project of the Year (Gallery)*
Medium Project of the Year (Gallery)
Large Project of the Year (Museum & Gallery)
First Nations Project of the Year (Museum/Gallery)
Medium Project of the Year (Museum)
About 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 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.