Awarded annually for over 40 years, the prize is the highest form of recognition for the achievements of Polish museum professionals. Its aim is to promote the most outstanding achievements in all areas of museum activity.
A total of 169 projects in six thematic categories were submitted for this year’s competition and assessed by an eleven-member jury chaired by Prof. Joanna Maria Sosnowska, PhD. The Museum of Ceramics in Bolesławiec received the award in the management category for the project “Building a Network of Cooperation Through Local, National and International Projects as a Management Model Based on the Example of the Museum of Ceramics in Bolesławiec.” The jury highly rated the activities of the museum in Bolesławiec.
Thanks to the implementation of several dozen projects co-financed by EU funds, both museum buildings were renovated, permanent exhibitions were modernized, exhibition and storage areas were expanded, conservation and digitization studios were established, a number of objects underwent conservation work, and a new website for the institution was created. The museum took part in international research projects, increased the number of publications issued and exhibitions organized, expanded its educational offer, and joined the activities of the European Ceramic Route and the Destination Napoleon route. Cooperation with more than 200 partners from Poland and abroad also resulted, among other things, in an increase in visitor numbers, an expansion of the collection, and higher revenues.
The award ceremony was held on September 22, 2021, at the Józef Piłsudski Museum in Sulejówek. Other winners included the National Museum in Wrocław, the Asia and Pacific Museum in Warsaw, the Tatra Museum in Zakopane, the Józef Piłsudski Museum in Sulejówek, and the Museum of Technology and Transport – Art Depot in Szczecin. According to the organizers, the competition’s record of achievements is one of the most important sources of knowledge about how Polish museology has changed over the years and the directions it is taking.
The Museum of Ceramics has been recognized by the competition jury for the fourth time. Previous awards were granted in the following categories: research projects (2014), publications on museum-related topics (2009), and temporary exhibitions (1998).
The museum extends its heartfelt thanks to all individuals and institutions supporting its activities and projects.