The judges said: “Comprehensive, thoughtful and effective, this winning engagement programme successfully reached beyond its organisation’s traditional audience, achieving impressive results with a strong legacy.”
Co-curated with diverse local community groups, it explored historical and contemporary migration experiences to Suffolk since the end of the Second World War.
Engagement programmes included art installation The Journey, created with local groups, artists, and schools. The flock of 125 birds, each decorated to represent a unique migration story, is currently on show The Hold in Ipswich – home of Suffolk Archives, which is a Suffolk County Council service.
There was a free exhibition which included items from Suffolk Archives’ collections, as well as some on loan from communities across the county that celebrated different foods, clothing, traditions, and culture. There were also oral history recordings, stories of migrant entrepreneurs, and archive materials from the Ipswich and Suffolk Council for Racial Equality.
Cllr Philip Faircloth-Mutton, Suffolk County Council Cabinet Member for Environment, Communities and Equality, said: “This award win is a great example of how engaging with local communities across the county to bring together diverse voices can tell the migration stories have shaped Suffolk’s history.
“Congratulations to everyone involved with this incredible collaboration between Suffolk Archives, local community groups, and artists.”
The Museums + Heritage Awards celebrate the very best in the world of museums, galleries, and cultural and heritage visitor attractions. This year’s shortlist included entrants from across the UK and 14 other countries.
Arrivals: Celebrating Migration to Suffolk was made possible by The National Lottery Heritage Fund.
Suffolk Archives’ current exhibition is Departures, which explores emigration from Suffolk. It runs at The Hold, on Ipswich’s Waterfront, until 31 May with a programme of tie-in events. Visit www.suffolkarchives.co.uk for more details.
