Awards

KMA Awards

Award purpose: Kansas Museums Association awards are used to recognize excellence, innovation, and distinguished service within the Kansas museum community.

Award categories:

  • Technology Award (project budget $10K and above) - Given to an institution that demonstrates a creative use of technology. Example projects: digitization, social media, online videos, exhibition features, mobile device applications, or interactive kiosks.
  • Technology Award (project budget $9,999 and below) - Given to an institution that demonstrates a creative use of technology. Example projects: digitization, social media, online videos, exhibition features, mobile device applications, or interactive kiosks.
  • Graphic Design Award (project budget $10K and above) - Given to an organization for superior graphic design. Nominee may be a museum or organization that produced graphic design in support of a museum project. Examples: posters, flyers, brochures, gallery guides, or banners.
  • Graphic Design Award (project budget $9,999 and below) - Given to an organization for superior graphic design. Nominee may be a museum or organization that produced graphic design in support of a museum project. Examples: posters, flyers, brochures, gallery guides, or banners.
  • Award of Excellence - Given to an institution whose project or achievements are worthy of special recognition. Example projects: exhibitions, films, programming, oral histories, community projects, or collections care. Example achievements: Increased attendance, enhanced public access, or community leadership.
  • Distinguished Service Award - Given to an individual whose achievements are worthy of special recognition. Eligible recipients include staff, volunteers, or advocates.
  • Volunteer Award - Given to a museum volunteer who has demonstrated outstanding commitment and service to an institution.

**Award applications are now CLOSED.  We anticipate reopening applications in July 2025.**

Application Information:

Eligibility: Nominees should be a KMA Individual Member or associated with a KMA Museum Member (formerly Institutional Member.)  Self-nomination is highly encouraged.  Project-based awards must have been completed in the last year.

Application information needed: 

  • Application (must be submitted electronically) 
  • Award of Excellence, Technology Award, or Graphic Design Award: Nominations may include photographs, news clippings, letters of recommendation or similar supporting material (see contact information below to send supporting material.)
  • Graphic Design Award: Nominations MUST include a sample of the work that is being nominated.
  • If nominating a physical publication: please send 5 copies of the publication or high-quality scans of each page for the Awards Committee reviewers. Scans can be emailed to the Awards Chair or physical publications can be mailed to the following address:
    • Rachelle Meinecke
      Lowell D. Holmes Museum of Anthropology
      1845 Fairmount St. Box 52
      Wichita, KS 67260
  • Submitted materials become the property of KMA for limited display, promotion, and archive purposes, unless their return is requested and prepaid postage is provided.

Award requirements: The awardee or a representative of the winning institution will be asked to accept the award at the Awards Luncheon held the final day of the conference.

Contact: For questions about KMA Awards please contact the Awards Chair, who will serve as the facilitator, via email or phone: (316) 978-7068.