Latest news with #EuropeanMuseumoftheYearAward
Yahoo
27-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Manchester Museum named European Museum Of The Year
Manchester Museum has won the European Museum of the Year Award (EMYA), hailed by judges for "balancing globally-significant academic research with community engagement and social responsibility". The museum, part of the University of Manchester, is the first university museum to receive the accolade, which is regarded as one of the most prestigious awards of its kind in the world. It topped a shortlist of 41 museums, including the world-renowned Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam and the Guggenheim in Bilbao. Judges praised how the museum, on Oxford Road, "reimagined its mission, acknowledging and addressing its complex history by redefining the role of its collections and public programmes". The museum - which is free to visit - was also praised for "thoughtful, informed, and impactful community engagement, creating a truly inclusive space where all individuals, regardless of identity or background, can see themselves reflected and represented". Esme Ward, director of the Manchester Museum, accepted the award at a ceremony at the Sybir Memorial Museum in Białistok, Poland - winner of the Council of Europe Museum Prize last year. "Museums have the power to be empathy machines - bringing generations and communities together to build understanding, while confronting the past with honesty and transparency," said Ms Ward. "More than ever before, we need museums that are values-led, imaginative and confident about what they stand for." Operated by the European Museum Forum (EMF), EMYA recognises either new museums or established museums which have undertaken a programme of modernisation. An average of around 45 museums apply each year, from across the 46 member countries. Two main awards, the EMYA and the Council of Europe Museum Prize, have been awarded continuously since 1977. Listen to the best of BBC Radio Manchester on Sounds and follow BBC Manchester on Facebook, X, and Instagram. You can also send story ideas via Whatsapp to 0808 100 2230. Museum's £15m revamp puts spotlight on South Asia Manchester Museum
Euronews
26-05-2025
- General
- Euronews
Watch: The Kenyan network saving seeds for future generations
Through training and sustainable farming practices, Seed Savers Network reduces the dependency on commercial monocultures by conserving and exchanging traditional seeds with over 85,000 farmers, ensuring food security for generations to come. ㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤ ㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤ ㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤ ㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤ ㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤ ㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤ ㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤ ㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤ ㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤ ㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤ The Manchester Museum has collected this year's top honour at the European Museum of the Year Awards, which were presented on the last day of the EMYA2025 Conference in Poland at the Sybir Memorial Museum in Białystok. On a self-proclaimed mission to become the 'most inclusive, imaginative, and caring, museum you'll ever see,' the Manchester Museum was awarded the prize in a year focused on 'Remembrance and Solidarity for Collective Action'. Part of the University of Manchester, this natural history museum was established in 1867 and boasts a collection of about 4.5 million items hailing from every continent. These include archaeological and anthropological artefacts, as well as a vivarium featuring live amphibians. The last exhibit in particular is the only place outside of Panama where visitors can see the critically endangered harlequin toad, which is known by researchers and enthusiasts alike for its striking colors. The European Museum of the Year Award was presented by Amina Krvavac, Chair of the EMYA Jury. In a year focused on solidarity and collective action, the Manchester Museum was recognised specifically for 'enhancing accessibility' and creating 'new spaces to foster deeper community connections and promote intercultural dialogue,' according to a statement from the awards. The museum was also specifically acknowledged for the ways in which it grappled with its colonial past. As museums around the world, including many in the UK, have grappled with the ways in which it has acquired and presented archaeological artefacts, the Manchester Museum, also born of Empire, has, according to the Awards committee 'reimagined its mission' by 'acknowledging and addressing its complex history by redefining the role of its collections and public programmes.' But what do these changes look like in practice? For one, the museum has placed heavy emphasis on highlighting the perspectives of indigenous peoples, and allowing people from those communities to curate and tell their own stories. Such is the case for 'Anindilyakwa Arts: Stories from our Country' an exhibition currently on display, which explores the culture and traditions of the Anindilyakwa People or Warnumamalya (true people), the Traditional Owners of the Groote archipelago off the north coast of Australia. This exhibit in particular was designed by and written with Anindilyakwa artists and Elders. In addition to this, in 2023, 174 cultural heritage items were returned by the Manchester Museum to their country, demonstrating an active desire on the part of the museum to right historical wrongs. The choice of venue for the awards was also carefully considered. Last year, the Sybir Memorial Museum won the Council of Europe Museum prize for its contributions to upholding human rights and democratic citizenship. The museum explores the stories of Poles deported to the USSR during the Second World War, and was praised for its ability to bring history to life 'through workshops, events, media, publications, and new formats.' This year's Council of Europe Museum Prize went to the Euskararen Etxea, the House of the Basque Language in Bilbao, Spain. This space, described by the awards committee as 'a unique cultural space dedicated to the Basque language, its history, and the stories of resilience and identity associated with it,' was awarded for its exploration of 'the deep emotions, challenges, and resistance tied to the Basque culture.' While this museum focuses on the history of the minority language used primarily in Spain, it offers exhibits in English, French, Spanish, as well as Basque, making it accessible to a wider variety of visitors. The museum recognised for community engagement was the Alvor Lifeguard Interpretative Centre (CISA) in Portimão, Portugal. Much like the Manchester Museum, CISA places heavy emphasis on people-forward exhibitions, with stories being told by the people they are about. CISA itself focuses on preserving traditional artisanal fishing practices and labour traditions, with many contributions coming from local residents. The Portimão Museum Prize for Welcoming, Inclusion and Belonging, which celebrates a 'friendly atmosphere of inclusion', went to the Istanbul Museum of Modern Art, which was recognized for the ways in which it reaches out to young people. The museum boasts an average of 500 young visitors a day, according to the awards committee. Awarded for environmental sustainability was MUZOO, a contemporary Swiss space which invites locals to care for animals to foster conversations about biodiversity. It combines exhibits with interactive experiences that both create environmental dialogue and leave a lasting impression once the visitors leave. Nini Sanadiradze, the former General Director of The Union of Tbilisi Museums, was also honored as an individual for her 'courageous, at times controversial, museum practices that challenge and expand common perceptions of the role and responsibilities of museums in society.' She was also recognized with a medal of honor by the former Georgian president, Salome Zourabichvili, for her 'exceptional dedication to safeguarding and conserving Georgian cultural and historical heritage.' Next year's awards will be held at the Euskararen Etxea in Bilbao.
Yahoo
26-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Hit the North! Manchester Museum wins the 2025 European Museum of the Year Award
The Manchester Museum has collected this year's top honour at the European Museum of the Year Awards, which were presented on the last day of the EMYA2025 Conference in Poland at the Sybir Memorial Museum in Białystok. On a self-proclaimed mission to become the 'most inclusive, imaginative, and caring, museum you'll ever see,' the Manchester Museum was awarded the prize in a year focused on 'Remembrance and Solidarity for Collective Action'. Part of the University of Manchester, this natural history museum was established in 1867 and boasts a collection of about 4.5 million items hailing from every continent. These include archaeological and anthropological artefacts, as well as a vivarium featuring live amphibians. The last exhibit in particular is the only place outside of Panama where visitors can see the critically endangered harlequin toad, which is known by researchers and enthusiasts alike for its striking colors. The European Museum of the Year Award was presented by Amina Krvavac, Chair of the EMYA Jury. In a year focused on solidarity and collective action, the Manchester Museum was recognised specifically for 'enhancing accessibility' and creating 'new spaces to foster deeper community connections and promote intercultural dialogue,' according to a statement from the awards. The museum was also specifically acknowledged for the ways in which it grappled with its colonial past. As museums around the world, including many in the UK, have grappled with the ways in which it has acquired and presented archaeological artefacts, the Manchester Museum, also born of Empire, has, according to the Awards committee 'reimagined its mission' by 'acknowledging and addressing its complex history by redefining the role of its collections and public programmes.' But what do these changes look like in practice? For one, the museum has placed heavy emphasis on highlighting the perspectives of indigenous peoples, and allowing people from those communities to curate and tell their own stories. Such is the case for 'Anindilyakwa Arts: Stories from our Country' an exhibition currently on display, which explores the culture and traditions of the Anindilyakwa People or Warnumamalya (true people), the Traditional Owners of the Groote archipelago off the north coast of Australia. This exhibit in particular was designed by and written with Anindilyakwa artists and Elders. In addition to this, in 2023, 174 cultural heritage items were returned by the Manchester Museum to their country, demonstrating an active desire on the part of the museum to right historical wrongs. The choice of venue for the awards was also carefully considered. Last year, the Sybir Memorial Museum won the Council of Europe Museum prize for its contributions to upholding human rights and democratic citizenship. The museum explores the stories of Poles deported to the USSR during the Second World War, and was praised for its ability to bring history to life 'through workshops, events, media, publications, and new formats.' This year's Council of Europe Museum Prize went to the Euskararen Etxea, the House of the Basque Language in Bilbao, Spain. This space, described by the awards committee as 'a unique cultural space dedicated to the Basque language, its history, and the stories of resilience and identity associated with it,' was awarded for its exploration of 'the deep emotions, challenges, and resistance tied to the Basque culture.' While this museum focuses on the history of the minority language used primarily in Spain, it offers exhibits in English, French, Spanish, as well as Basque, making it accessible to a wider variety of visitors. The museum recognised for community engagement was the Alvor Lifeguard Interpretative Centre (CISA) in Portimão, Portugal. Much like the Manchester Museum, CISA places heavy emphasis on people-forward exhibitions, with stories being told by the people they are about. CISA itself focuses on preserving traditional artisanal fishing practices and labour traditions, with many contributions coming from local residents. The Portimão Museum Prize for Welcoming, Inclusion and Belonging, which celebrates a 'friendly atmosphere of inclusion', went to the Istanbul Museum of Modern Art, which was recognized for the ways in which it reaches out to young people. The museum boasts an average of 500 young visitors a day, according to the awards committee. Awarded for environmental sustainability was MUZOO, a contemporary Swiss space which invites locals to care for animals to foster conversations about biodiversity. It combines exhibits with interactive experiences that both create environmental dialogue and leave a lasting impression once the visitors leave. Nini Sanadiradze, the former General Director of The Union of Tbilisi Museums, was also honored as an individual for her 'courageous, at times controversial, museum practices that challenge and expand common perceptions of the role and responsibilities of museums in society.' She was also recognized with a medal of honor by the former Georgian president, Salome Zourabichvili, for her 'exceptional dedication to safeguarding and conserving Georgian cultural and historical heritage.' Next year's awards will be held at the Euskararen Etxea in Bilbao.
Euronews
26-05-2025
- General
- Euronews
Manchester Museum is the European Museum of the Year 2025
The Manchester Museum has collected this year's top honour at the European Museum of the Year Awards, which were presented on the last day of the EMYA2025 Conference in Poland at the Sybir Memorial Museum in Białystok. On a self-proclaimed mission to become the 'most inclusive, imaginative, and caring, museum you'll ever see,' the Manchester Museum was awarded the prize in a year focused on 'Remembrance and Solidarity for Collective Action'. Part of the University of Manchester, this natural history museum was established in 1867 and boasts a collection of about 4.5 million items hailing from every continent. These include archaeological and anthropological artefacts, as well as a vivarium featuring live amphibians. The last exhibit in particular is the only place outside of Panama where visitors can see the critically endangered harlequin toad, which is known by researchers and enthusiasts alike for its striking colors. The European Museum of the Year Award was presented by Amina Krvavac, Chair of the EMYA Jury. In a year focused on solidarity and collective action, the Manchester Museum was recognised specifically for 'enhancing accessibility' and creating 'new spaces to foster deeper community connections and promote intercultural dialogue,' according to a statement from the awards. The museum was also specifically acknowledged for the ways in which it grappled with its colonial past. As museums around the world, including many in the UK, have grappled with the ways in which it has acquired and presented archaeological artefacts, the Manchester Museum, also born of Empire, has, according to the Awards committee 'reimagined its mission' by 'acknowledging and addressing its complex history by redefining the role of its collections and public programmes.' But what do these changes look like in practice? For one, the museum has placed heavy emphasis on highlighting the perspectives of indigenous peoples, and allowing people from those communities to curate and tell their own stories. Such is the case for 'Anindilyakwa Arts: Stories from our Country' an exhibition currently on display, which explores the culture and traditions of the Anindilyakwa People or Warnumamalya (true people), the Traditional Owners of the Groote archipelago off the north coast of Australia. This exhibit in particular was designed by and written with Anindilyakwa artists and Elders. In addition to this, in 2023, 174 cultural heritage items were returned by the Manchester Museum to their country, demonstrating an active desire on the part of the museum to right historical wrongs. The choice of venue for the awards was also carefully considered. Last year, the Sybir Memorial Museum won the Council of Europe Museum prize for its contributions to upholding human rights and democratic citizenship. The museum explores the stories of Poles deported to the USSR during the Second World War, and was praised for its ability to bring history to life 'through workshops, events, media, publications, and new formats.' This year's Council of Europe Museum Prize went to the Euskararen Etxea, the House of the Basque Language in Bilbao, Spain. This space, described by the awards committee as 'a unique cultural space dedicated to the Basque language, its history, and the stories of resilience and identity associated with it,' was awarded for its exploration of 'the deep emotions, challenges, and resistance tied to the Basque culture.' While this museum focuses on the history of the minority language used primarily in Spain, it offers exhibits in English, French, Spanish, as well as Basque, making it accessible to a wider variety of visitors. The museum recognised for community engagement was the Alvor Lifeguard Interpretative Centre (CISA) in Portimão, Portugal. Much like the Manchester Museum, CISA places heavy emphasis on people-forward exhibitions, with stories being told by the people they are about. CISA itself focuses on preserving traditional artisanal fishing practices and labour traditions, with many contributions coming from local residents. The Portimão Museum Prize for Welcoming, Inclusion and Belonging, which celebrates a 'friendly atmosphere of inclusion', went to the Istanbul Museum of Modern Art, which was recognized for the ways in which it reaches out to young people. The museum boasts an average of 500 young visitors a day, according to the awards committee. Awarded for environmental sustainability was MUZOO, a contemporary Swiss space which invites locals to care for animals to foster conversations about biodiversity. It combines exhibits with interactive experiences that both create environmental dialogue and leave a lasting impression once the visitors leave. Nini Sanadiradze, the former General Director of The Union of Tbilisi Museums, was also honored as an individual for her 'courageous, at times controversial, museum practices that challenge and expand common perceptions of the role and responsibilities of museums in society.' She was also recognized with a medal of honor by the former Georgian president, Salome Zourabichvili, for her 'exceptional dedication to safeguarding and conserving Georgian cultural and historical heritage.' Next year's awards will be held at the Euskararen Etxea in Bilbao. This weekend, the 2025 Cannes Film Festival officially came to a close - with its top prize, the Palme d'Or, being award to the Iranian revenge drama It Was Just an Accident. But beyond the silver screen, the real spectacle was on the red carpet. The Croisette was a catwalk of high drama, with fashion looks stealing the spotlight. It was undeniably the year of the gown - including Elle Fanning and Jennifer Lawrence delivering some show-stopping silhouettes. Meanwhile Pedro Pascal and Alexander Skarsgård gave the internet exactly what it wanted with their respective looks (that's without mentioning the viral kiss they shared after the premiere Pillion). This year also brought a notable shift in dress code: with the ongoing trend of sheer and skin-baring looks, the festival quietly updated its dress code to state that 'nudity is prohibited on the red carpet, as well as in any other area of the festival.' But that didn't stop Cannes' A-listers from making bold, unforgettable fashion statements. This year's red carpet delivered talking-points, elegance, and plenty of sartorial surprises. Here are 14 of the most standouts looks from the 2025 festival.
Euronews
29-03-2025
- Euronews
‘People are not props': The Sámi reindeer herders fighting stereotypes to build ethical tourism
ADVERTISEMENT Reindeer crowd around Raisa Kitti as soon as she enters the paddock, sticking their big, velvety noses into the sled full of food she's towing. They trot behind her as she scatters the pellets in a spiraling line but don't show the same reserve when she pulls out some bright green moss. 'This is their chocolate,' Kitti says as three big snouts tear it from her hands. 'They love it.' Kitti introduces several of the animals by name - and by personality. 'This is the big boss,' she says, pointing to a reindeer with a white pelt and one peeling antler. 'He'll let you scratch him under the chin,' she adds, demonstrating. 'This younger one is like a chili pepper, you know? Small but very strong.' Kitti and her husband lovingly run Reinina Reindeer Farm near Inari, Finland, where his family has been herding reindeer for over 400 years. This is the homeland of the Sámi, Europe's only Indigenous people. Related Demand for female tour guides is soaring in this country so what's holding them back? 'You learn to live with much less': Why this family decided to set sail and see the world For centuries, they have herded reindeer and used every part of the animal: meat for food, bones and antlers for tools, and leather for clothing. Challenging misinformation about Sámi culture Today, the reindeer also attract tourists, and Kitti brings small groups to the farm to feed the herd and learn about Sámi culture. She also runs cooking classes and workshops, teaching visitors to craft jewellery and souvenirs from reindeer hides. Family businesses like Reinina Reindeer Farm are part of a new wave of positive-impact experiences in Finnish Lapland, finally allowing the Sámi to benefit from the tourism boom. Kitti brings small groups to the farm to feed the herd and learn about Sámi culture. Eloise Stark For decades, tourism had been led by non-Sámi companies that were selling a distorted image of Indigenous life. Igloos and husky sleds dominate the brochures, though neither is a traditional part of Sámi culture but rather imported from North America. This tourism has not only failed to benefit the Indigenous community financially but has actively harmed it by encroaching on herding grounds and spreading misconceptions. In recent years, however, the Sámi have taken back the narrative. Inari: The cultural heart of the Sámi Upon first glance, the village of Inari, with a population of 650 people, appears little more than a couple of supermarkets and a few dozen houses along the edge of a large lake. Yet it is considered the cultural capital of Finland's Sámi population, home to the Sámi Parliament and the country's most comprehensive Indigenous museum. The Siida Sámi Museum was awarded the European Museum of the Year Award in 2024. Eloise Stark The Siida Sámi Museum, refurbished in 2022 and awarded the European Museum of the Year Award in 2024, is an essential stop for understanding Sámi culture. Through stunning photographs, household objects, clothing, and interactive panels, the museum walks visitors through millennia of Sámi history and artistry. It introduces them to the lifestyle and culture of people today, from reindeer herding to music and art. The museum walks visitors through history with stunning photographs, household objects, clothing, and interactive panels. Eloise Stark The displays highlight a culture that is both deeply rooted in tradition and evolving with the times. Next to a skateboard painted with Sámi designs and a car key hung with a reindeer bone, a sign reads: 'Outsiders sometimes criticise the Sámi for adopting 'foreign influences'… But what if this is simply something the Sámi want to do?' The irreverent tone directly challenges the idea that Indigenous cultures should remain frozen in time for the entertainment of visitors. ADVERTISEMENT The Sámi are telling their own story 'What the Sámi want is a tourism that tells the true story of who they are. A story connected to today, not just to the past, unlike most of the stereotypes,' explains Kirsi Suomi, a project coordinator at the Sámi Parliament who has been instrumental in several sustainable tourism initiatives . The Sámi have battled cultural exploitation for decades, Suomi explains. In the mid-90s and again in 2008, activists protested against non-Sámi Finns dressing up in faux-Sámi costumes for tourist entertainment. This practice dates back to 1950 when Eleanor Roosevelt visited the Arctic Circle. Local authorities hastily built a 'Sámi' village for her, with wooden cabins and actors wearing cheap replicas of Sámi dress. Related 'Fundamental for tourists' trust': Why Italy is cracking down on fake hotel and restaurant reviews Over time, those log cabins were transformed into Santa Claus Village, home to Father Christmas, reindeer, and various 'Sami' experiences. This isolated spot on the Artic Circle, close to the town of Rovaniemi, became one of Lapland's most popular tourist destinations, with over 500,000 visitors a year. Yet, out of several hundreds of businesses catering to tourists, fewer than half a dozen are Sámi-led. Visitors pay for husky rides and shamanic drumming performances, unaware that what they see is far from authentic Sámi culture. ADVERTISEMENT Ethical guidelines to help tourists make informed choices To combat this pervasive misrepresentation, Suomi led a parliamentary project in 2018 to define ethical guidelines for Sámi tourism. 'We took an example that already existed in Australia and adapted it to the Finnish scenery,' she says. These guidelines help visitors understand how to engage with Sámi culture respectfully, highlighting, for example, that people in traditional Sámi dress are not tourist attractions and should not be photographed without permission. Visitors forget that people are not props. They even show up to funerals, taking pictures of grieving families in traditional dress. Kirsi Suomi Project coordinator at the Sámi Parliament They also discourage tourists from trespassing on private lands or setting up camp in reindeer grazing areas. 'Visitors forget that people are not props,' says Suomi. 'They even show up to funerals, taking pictures of grieving families in traditional dress.' ADVERTISEMENT Suomi is now developing a certification programme to help tourists identify ethical, Sámi-led businesses. The programme, funded by NextGenerationEU, will be announced at the European Indigenous Tourism Conference, which Inari's Sami Parliament is hosting in May. It will be the first event of its kind, bringing together Indigenous tourism representatives from Finland, Norway, Sweden, and Greenland. The certification will help tourists make informed choices and give visibility to businesses like Reinina Reindeer Farm, which operate on a small, sustainable scale and share real insights into Sámi life. Many tourists want more ethical experiences Kitti has noticed that many visitors are looking for this kind of experience. 'People have become more aware that it is not ok to put some reindeer hides on and pretend to be a shaman,' she says. 'Our visitors want to learn and understand our lives and culture.' ADVERTISEMENT Meanwhile, her tourist business has provided an economic opportunity for her family. The revenue it generates helps them care for their reindeer and preserve their way of life. Yet, Kitti and Suomi are fighting an uphill battle, I realise as I enter a large souvenir shop on my last day in Inari. Souvenir shops sell items that perpetuate stereotypes and misconceptions about Sámi culture and traditions. Eloise Stark Busloads of tourists pour into the store and peruse aisles filled with Santa figurines, Christmas ornaments, and 'Lapland Shaman' dolls. Matchboxes show staged photos of people dressed up in fake Sámi clothes. Huskies feature on postcards, plushies, mugs, magnets, and even dream catchers - another import from North American Indigenous cultures. Outdated stereotypes are firmly on display and available for purchase by anyone with a few euros in their pocket. ADVERTISEMENT
