Ms JENNY AITCHISON (Maitland) (15:40): I congratulate the Maitland Regional Art Gallery on two great achievements at the Museums and Galleries National Awards and the Museums Australasia Multimedia and Publication Design Awards, which were both held on 17 June 2022 at the National Museums Conference. A Conspicuous Object – The Maitland Hospital et al was awarded a highly commended in the Interpretation or Learning Initiative Level 2 category. The judges' comments stated:
An innovative and powerful way to interpret the history of a hospital through art. The exhibition serves as both interpreter and collector of memory. Using broad community input to drive the project the gallery turns what could have been a dry display about hospital history into a beautiful experience of art and creativity. The collection of community stories serves an important archival goal, and the website, social media, interviews and art and object displays provide multiple avenues for enjoyment.
The Conspicuous Object website was awarded a highly commended in the Program Website Design category. The judges said it was a "content rich site with a relatively intuitive navigation".