The nominations are in. The invitations have been sent. The judgements have been made and now we in the Volunteer Team are eagerly awaiting the Renaissance North East Museum Volunteer Awards 2011 which are taking place this Saturday at the Great North Museum: Hancock!

For the fifth year running we have asked volunteers and staff to nominate their peers for awards to recognise their contribution, either as a volunteer or as a member of paid staff supporting volunteers. It’s also a great opportunity for us all to say a big thank you to everyone for their contributions.

This year is slightly different as, for the first time, we opened up the awards to include museums across the North East.  The award categories include;

Award for Outstanding Contribution from a young volunteer under 25

Contribution to the Visitor Experience Award

Contribution to Supporting Volunteers Award (Paid Staff)

Contribution to Collections Care Award

Outstanding Achievement by A Volunteer Run Museum

I’m really loooking forward to seeing who wins the ‘Outstanding Achievement by a Volunteer Run Museum Award’ as they will recieve this beautiful piece of artwork painted by Annie Rie using the same methods as stained glass painters of the early 14th century…

The Outstanding Achievement by a Volunteer Run Museum Award (Artwork by Annie Rie, available at the Laing Art Gallery Shop)

I will be sharing all of the photos and winners with you very soon!