The Muse awards recognize outstanding achievement in museum media. Presented to institutions or independent producers which use digital media to enhance the museum experience and engage new audiences, the MUSE awards celebrate scholarship, innovation, creativity and inclusiveness.
Projects must be produced by or for a museum, including websites, podcasts, multimedia installations, interactive kiosks in the museum or cell phone audio tours. Winning projects for each category are chosen by an international group of museum media professionals and the awards will be presented at the Annual Meeting in Minneapolis Saint Paul.
Deadline for submissions is Feb. 15.
More information on the awards process is available on the Media & Technology website.
Eligibility
Museums of any size and discipline and country are eligible to submit. Productions made by independent or commercial producers on behalf of a museum may be submitted with a letter of support written and sent by the museum. Please send that letter via email to muse@mediaandtechnology.org. The letter of support must state that the project being entered was created for the museum submitting the letter and vouch for the submission.
Categories
- Applications & APIs
Digital presentations, applications and mashups that utilize existing data and online resources to transform content into new meaningful tools or experiences.
- Audio Tours & Podcasts
Entries can range from audio tours on devices to video and audio podcasts that create links between on-line and/or on-site activities and programs, exhibits and lectures, creating an augmented and extended experience to a global audience.
- Digital Communities
Websites that offer a virtual space for people to share a common experience, exhibit or interest, thereby creating and facilitating an online community. These sites can target either a broad-based or niche audience and contribute to the process of social networking.
- Education & Outreach
Projects that include educational content for children or adults, resources for educators/teachers, “distance learning” courses, pedagogical training tools and outreach to the community.
- Games & Augmented Reality
Challenging interactive activities that educate, entertain and may involve competing or role playing. Augmented Reality entries merge the real world environment with digital imagery and interfaces via Q codes, cameras, Tag and more.
- Interactive Kiosks
A single interactive kiosk in a gallery, visitor center or other public space that offers an alternative, visitor-friendly view of information.
- Interpretive Interactive Installations
Multiple kiosks or full gallery installations that require input from visitors to accommodate an educational and entertaining experience.
- Mobile Applications
Optimized websites and apps that extend the Museum experience onto mobile devices. This can include q-codes integration, interactive kiosks, GPS technology, outdoor interactive signage and other environmental marketing.
- Multimedia Installations
Immersive installations that include text, audio, still images, video and do not require interactivity.
- Online Presence
Websites, online collections, image databases and exhibitions that present and interpret museum collections and themes, providing a rich and meaningful virtual experience. Projects should demonstrate effective use of multiple media formats, innovative ways of complementing physical exhibitions or providing surrogates for physical experiences in online only exhibitions.
- Public Outreach
Unique approaches showcasing museum initiatives for the press, marketing purposes, and donor development pieces. Could include email newsletters, viral marketing campaigns, fundraising videos, etc.
- Video, Film, & Computer Animation
Entries are linear and nonlinear narratives in video format. This includes documentaries, interviews, original cartoons, motion graphics, animations and stop motion. Individual episodes or entire series may be entered.
- Honeysett & Din Student Award
Entries include student works that meet the criteria for any of the listed categories. Student entries can include finished projects created for museums or other educational institutions as well as class projects, prototypes, or concepts.
- Jim Blackaby Ingenuity Award
Winners serve as industry benchmarks for the most cutting-edge, innovative, and advanced practices in Web and application development, demonstrating unparalleled excellence across The Academy’s six criteria: content, structure and navigation, visual design, interactivity, functionality and overall experience.
