Toy town

Thousands of pounds in prizes are up for grabs for those with a brilliant idea to enhance museum galleries.

Young, creative minds are being asked to think of a brilliant idea to enhance galleries in two of York's top attractions - with the chance of then receiving a budget to turn it into a reality.

The Yorkshire Museum's medieval gallery and York Castle Museum's Toy's exhibition are both to be changed in 2013 and the teams working on them are looking for innovative, fresh and exciting ideas to be included as part if the redisplay.

York Museums Trust, in partnership with NYBEP, the Business and Education Partnership based inYorkand SCY are inviting 16 to 24 year olds to come up with two winning entries who will then be given a budget to make them. 

The winner of the Yorkshire Museum Medieval gallery idea will win £6,000 while the York Castle Museum Toy's Gallery idea will win £2,000.

Amy Parkinson, learning manager at York Museums Trust, said: "This is a fantastic opportunity for young people to see their ideas become part of two of our newly displayed galleries which will be seen or used by thousands of visitors each year.

"We are looking for anyone aged between 16 and 24 to think about what our visitors would like to see in our galleries and then design their idea to a budget. It must be different to anything they have seen in other museums and relate to the objects in some way. Any ideas involving digital or new technologies would be welcome, but the idea could use any medium at all."

The criteria for both projects differs slightly. For more detailed information on how to apply contact  yvonne@nybep.org.uk

All ideas must be submitted by 5pm on October 26 2012 to same email address.

Finalists will then be selected to come and 'pitch' to a panel of judges during York Business Week at the Create Your Futureevent which takes place November 12, Hospitium, MuseumGardens.  A winner will be announced on the day.

The winning idea will go on show atYorkCastleMuseum in January 2013 and at theYorkshireMuseum in April 2013.

Create your own Future will take place between 10am and 3pm and is a FREE event for anyone interested in the creative and cultural sectors in York.

It is a unique opportunity to meet creative and cultural organisations and networks in York and North Yorkshire for advice and help on furthering your business or career. If you are studying a relevant course, someone looking to work in the creative sector or an up and coming practitioner then this event is unmissable!

To book your free place email: yvonne@nybep.org.uk

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