- Castle nominated in multiple categories for the Power of Place: Midlands Museum Awards 2025.
- Heritage Through Glass project, Highly Commended in the Bridge Builder Award category.
- Awards presented at Power of Place event in Birmingham
Tamworth Borough Council is proud to announce that Tamworth Castle Museum has been recognised for its outstanding contributions to the museum sector, with nominations in multiple categories for the Power of Place: Midlands Museum Awards 2025.
These awards, presented by Museum Development Midlands, celebrate creativity, innovation, and impact within museums and heritage organisations across the Midlands.
Tamworth Castle Museum was shortlisted for the following awards:
- The Inclusive Impact Award – For efforts to enhance inclusivity, whether through improved accessibility, community engagement, or representation of underrepresented voices. Demonstrated through the Unity Shield project - Forging Connections through Community Craft – involving community blacksmithing with asylum seekers, schools and residents; to create a large public sculpture celebrating unity and inclusion.
- The Green Spark Award – Recognising eco-friendly practices, such as sustainable exhibitions and collections care. Working with communities to create an Athelstan Crown – a community-made crown sculpted from recycled aluminium cans, honouring King Athelstan and highlighting creative reuse and sustainability.
- The Bridge Builder Award – Celebrating successful partnerships that have broadened the museum’s reach and impact. The Heritage Through Glass project celebrated community creativity and collaboration with a glass art exhibition and workshops with Tamworth’s African Caribbean community group, exploring identity, heritage and storytelling.
This recognition highlights Tamworth Castle Museum’s ongoing dedication to innovation, inclusivity, and environmental sustainability, showcasing the museum’s role as a community-focused and forward-thinking institution.
The winners were announced at the Power of Place event on Wednesday 12 November, at Thinktank, Birmingham, a day of inspiration and celebration of the Midlands’ vibrant museum sector, where the castle team were invited to present a case study on the Athelstan Crown project as part of the event programme.
The castles’ Heritage Through Glass project received a Highly Commended in the Bridge Builder Award category. The award was presented by Zak Mensah, CEO of Birmingham Museums Trust. This project was developed with the African Caribbean community group in Tamworth and explored identity, heritage and place through contemporary fused glass making. The resulting exhibition at the castle showcased vibrant artworks inspired by personal stories, cultural heritage and shared experience.
Councillor Lewis Smith, Portfolio Holder for People Services, Engagement, Leisure, and Heritage for Tamworth Borough Council, said: “We’re thrilled that Tamworth Castle has been recognised for its exceptional work in fostering inclusivity, sustainability, and community engagement.
“The recognition at the Midlands Museum Awards is a testament to the passion and creativity of everyone involved. We are especially proud of the castle’s efforts to connect local communities through projects like the Unity Shield and Heritage Through Glass, which celebrate both our rich heritage and the diverse voices that make Tamworth such a unique place.”
Tamworth Castle looks forward to continuing its efforts in enriching the cultural landscape and engaging local communities, while contributing to the broader museum network in the Midlands.