Photo: Anra Kennedy and Jon Pratty (centre) are congratulated by (l. to r.) Barbara Dickson, a representative from Grant Thornton, sponsors of the arts award, and Dominic Holland. Courtesy Charity Awards.
www.show.me.uk - the 24 Hour Museum’s kids zone – won the award for best Arts, Culture and Heritage project at the Charity Awards 2004 in London on June 17.
"This is Show Me’s first big award and I’m really thrilled," said Anra Kennedy, Show Me site editor.
"We’ve worked really hard to get the site up and running over the last year. So many kids are clicking onto the site that we’ve already beaten our visitor target for 2004!"
Photo: the glamorous evening was hosted by comedian Dominic Holland. © 24 Hour Museum.
Award winners were announced by a host of celebrity guests, including Linford Christie, Edwina Currie, Nicholas Witchell and Angela Rippon. 700 guests enjoyed dinner before comedian Dominic Holland introduced the prizes.
The Charity Awards, organised by Charity Finance magazine, recognise and celebrate excellence in the leadership and management of charities.
Highlighting these achievements spreads good practice throughout the sector drawing attention to the talent and expertise being brought to bear on voluntary activity in the UK.
Photo: Show Me is all about using the latest technology to showcase the fantastic work of the UK's museums and galleries. © 24 Hour Museum.
"I think it was very brave of the judges to give this award to a website," added Anra. "We weren’t sure if we’d win because we were really impressed by the work of the Weald and Downland Museum with whom we were shortlisted."
Show Me brings together in one easy-to-access website the best digital content for kids from the UK’s museum and gallery sector.
As well as showcasing the work of others, Show Me staff at the 24 Hour Museum office in Brighton write topical and fun news stories and put together resources for teachers and information for parents looking to make museum visits with their kids.
Photo: the winners were joined at the glitzy bash by a host of celebrities, including actor John Bardon who plays Jim in Eastenders. © 24 Hour Museum.
"We also think it’s important to develop and commission new content for kids that makes the best use of new technology to make it more accessible," said Jon Pratty, 24 Hour Museum Editor.
"We were the first site in the UK to make a kids’ game, Our Global Garden, using Flash MX. This authoring tool makes it possible for users of screenreader programs to enjoy animated content."
Phase one of the design and build of Show Me was funded by the Clore Duffield Foundation, and designed by Brighton company Getfrank. SSL Ltd of London built the database that powers the site.
Click on this link to pay Show Me a visit and see what turned the judges' heads.
