Wilberforce House Museum Shortlisted For A National Award

Wilberforce House Museum has been shortlisted for a national Change Lives Award 2023 from the Museum Association.

The museum’s work has been recognised in the Decolonising Museums Awards category. It has worked with the Wilberforce House Museum Advisory Board and the Wilberforce Institute at the University of Hull to deliver a new community strategy that engages underrepresented communities in developing exhibitions.

Tackling power and privilege, the museum collaborated with people of different ethnic backgrounds to embed decolonisation into its working practice.

In 2022-23 they worked together to produce a series of short films, two exhibitions, and a re-display of the permanent gallery space. The development of inclusive exhibitions created spaces where people felt heard and could explore difficult issues.

All this collaboration has led to the participants now acting as a permanent advisory board, to guide the work of the museum and partners.

Curator of Maritime and Social History Robin Diaper said:
“It’s been a privilege to work with the members of the Wilberforce House Museum Advisory Board on our displays, as we work towards updating and improving our museum displays on this important subject.”

Wilberforce House Advisory Board member Yvie Holder said:
“We are glad to have the opportunity to assist the museum to update existing displays and to create new ones. These will provide more accurate information to suit modern audiences.”

Councillor Rob Pritchard, the portfolio holder for Culture and Leisure at Hull City Council said:
“The community are at the heart of what we do, so it is fitting that the new advisory board at Wilberforce House Museum are helping to shape the messages and galleries at one of our much-loved museums.”