The Latvian Museum Society’s Annual Award is received by the Paula Stradins Museum of Medical History / Day
Last year, the Paula Stradins Museum of Medical History (MVM), with an innovative and society -involved program, troubled its history and collection of socio -political contexts, as well as announcing the vectors of further development
“The driver of the changes in the museum has been both the Covid-19 pandemic, which brought tension in public opinion on medicine and health, as well as Russia’s war in Ukraine, which has led to the imprints of the occupation of the Soviet Union in the operation of Latvian memory institutions. Post -mortem life. Memorial practice and museum, film A meeting of scientific council (directed by Tom Harjo), museum collection evaluation activities and public involvement campaign for the upcoming Children’s Health Liquity Center, or Children’s Museum Exhibition. We are delighted that this approach to the museum’s restart has gained industry recognition, ”comments MVM director Kaspars Vanags.
The jury of the Latvian Museum Society described the work of the MVM as an ambitious and bold example of the institution’s self -reflection and the process of change. « The project stands out for its multi -layered public involvement, interdisciplinary approach and transparent communication, openly addressing the museum’s historical heritage, future strategy and public expectations. An exemplary example in the Latvian museum industry, where the authentic change process is done with public participation, » the jury comments.
Unlike many other museums, where changes usually begin with the rebuilds of buildings and new basic spots, MVM has chosen to start with social dialogue, calling on the public – the health care industry and patient organizations, other museums and cultural heritage institutions, academic environment, and existing and potential target audiences. 2024 was a year of public involvement in the museum, rich in public discussions, an exhibition of historical justice Post -mortem life. Memorial Practice and Museum and active presence in public media. Thinking about the museum’s future, a special place in the program was given to tomorrow’s audience – children aged 6 to 12. They had the opportunity to ask health -related questions that I would like to receive answers in the future Children’s Museum, which would open the door in 2027. In cooperation with the German Hygiene Museum in Dresden, the « Traveling Children’s Museum » has already begun working in 25 Latvian schools last year, reaching more than 2,300 pupils.
The Latvian Museum Society’s Annual Award is a Museum Prize, which aims to identify and highlight the outstanding achievements of the museum industry, promote good practice examples and strengthen the sustainability of the museum industry.
The submitted projects were evaluated by the Jury Commission, consisting of six members of the Board of the Board of the Latvian Museum Association, selected according to specific professional areas:
- Elīna Bērziņa, Head of Education Sector of the Latvian National Commission of UNESCO, Chairman of the Jury of the Annual Award of the Latvian Museum Society
- Līga Berzina, art therapist, artist, designer and inclusive culture promoter in Latvia, Colorize founder
- Anna Pozele, Project Manager at the Arts Center « Zuzeum »
- Jan Shakar, Rapporteur of Archives, Libraries and Museums of the Ministry of Culture
- Jānis Šiliņš, leading researcher of the Latvian National Archives and researcher of Vidzeme University College, Doctor of History
- Matīss Zvaigzne, Head of Design Department of the Latvian Academy of Arts and Associate Professor, Head of Design and Strategy of Design Studio « Reflect »
