The Awards, run by the Museums Association, recognise the best examples of work by museums and individuals that support communities and engage them with contemporary issues. Beat Plastic Pollution is shortlisted in the Environmental Sustainability in Museums category.
Beat Plastic Pollution was a temporary display that introduced more than 150 items of single-use and waste plastic into the Horniman Aquarium tanks, and even replaced the much-loved jellyfish with plastic bags, highlighting the threats to aquatic life of waste plastic.
Despite its ‘shock factor’ the display was popular with visitors, inspiring many to make their own environmental pledges and take action against plastic pollution. It was extended to run for two months instead of one, allowing almost 17,500 people to visit.
The award – which looks for projects that have a clear link to museum collections and which inspire audiences to take position environmental action – will be announced at the Museums Change Lives Awards ceremony in Brighton on Thursday 3 October, as part of the Museums Association Conference.