2020
The Glucksman receives international recognition for pandemic lockdown initiative
Today it has been announced that The Glucksman, based in University College Cork, has been shortlisted for the Kids in Museums Family Friendly Museum Award From Home.
London-based charity Kids in Museums has run a prestigious annual award for the past 15 years, recognising the most family friendly heritage sites in the UK. This year, the charity asked families and museums to vote for what they thought was the best online activity for families during lockdown. For the first time, this included an international category.
A panel of museum experts whittled down over 400 nominations to a shortlist of 26 museums.
The Glucksman was recognised for its Creativity at Home initiative which encouraged families to make art using materials easily found at home. Daily activity sheets and video tutorials provided ideas and direction for people during lockdown and the Glucksman team were online on social media to encourage participation and celebrate the artworks created.
Fiona Kearney, Director of the Glucksman, said: “I am thrilled to see the work of the Glucksman recognised on an international stage. University College Cork has a proud tradition of digital innovation and social inclusion. Our small team responded quickly to our museum’s COVID-19 closure to provide families with daily creative activities throughout the pandemic lockdown using materials available around the house.”
The Glucksman is vying against five other museums from around the world in the Best International Digital Activity category.
Over the summer, family judges will try out all the activities and their feedback will decide a winner and highly commended award for each category. The winners will be announced at an awards ceremony in October.
The Glucksman Creativity at Home initiative can be seen HERE
Follow the Glucksman on Twitter @glucksman, on facebook @theglucksman and on Instagram @theglucksman.
Follow the Family Friendly Museum Award From Home on Twitter by following @kidsinmuseums and #FamilyFriendlyMuseum.
The Family Friendly Museum Award From Home has been made possible by funding from Arts Council England.