Tullie, in Carlisle, has been shortlisted for two awards at this year’s Museum + Heritage Awards. These prestigious awards celebrate the very best in museums and heritage from across the globe and are known as ‘the Oscars of the museum world’. The museum has been shortlisted for the Sustainable Project of the Year award and Volunteer of the Year award, with David Jutson being recognised for his exceptional contribution to the museum.
Tullie has long been committed to promoting sustainability and environmental responsibility, with a focus on reducing its carbon footprint and promoting a greener future for the museum sector. Over the past year, the museum has undertaken several ambitious sustainability initiatives, the most significant being ‘Once Upon A Planet’ funded by the Esmée Fairbairn Collections Fund administered by Museums Association. This ongoing two-year project, uses Tullie’s collections to provoke conversation, reflection and action on the climate crisis, focusing on younger generations’ spirit of protest and positive change. Working with Young Advisors, local community groups, and project partners, Sustainable Carlisle and Natural England, Tullie explored how climate change is impacting Cumbria’s natural habitats and ways we can all help. The first year of the project finished with a major co-designed exhibition in the summer of 2022 which used specimens from Tullie’s Designated natural science collection alongside creative responses, interactives and an impactful mural by street artist Angry Dan. The piece was commissioned in partnership with Blank Wall Assassins and inspired young people to write their own limericks and create protest signs and placards.
As Tullie continues to explore new ways to promote sustainability and environmental responsibility, this award is a very welcome nod to the impact of the organisation’s passion for protecting the planet.
In addition to its sustainability efforts, Tullie has been recognised for its exceptional volunteer programme. The museum’s volunteers make a significant contribution to Tullie’s success, giving countless hours to supporting the museum’s collections, events, and exhibitions. David Jutson, a Tullie volunteer who has dedicated over 400 hours of time to the museum in the last year, has been shortlisted for the Volunteer of the Year award in recognition of his outstanding contribution to the museum.
David makes the three-hour round trip to Tullie twice a week. Once at the museum, he engages with visitors, uses his background as a geologist to assist the curatorial team, and acts as a training buddy for new volunteers. He also donates handmade jewellery, crafted from sea glass found at his local beach, to be sold in the museum shop.
In response to the shortlisting, Andrew Mackay, Director, said, “We are so pleased to be shortlisted for two awards at the Museum + Heritage Awards. This recognition is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our staff and volunteers, and our commitment to sustainability and community engagement. Our fingers are crossed for the awards ceremony!”
The Museum + Heritage Awards is an annual event that celebrates excellence and innovation within the museum and heritage sector. The Sustainable Project of the Year award recognises projects that demonstrate a commitment to sustainability, environmental responsibility, and community engagement. The Volunteer of the Year award recognises the outstanding contributions made by volunteers to the museum and heritage sector. The winners will be announced at the awards ceremony in London in May.
