AAM Excellence in Exhibition Label Writing

“It is the collaboration between the University of Illinois at Chicago’s Museum and Exhibition Studies Graduate Program, the American Alliance of Museum’s Curators Committee, and the Chicago History Museum that makes the Excellence in Exhibition Label Writing Competition so valuable. The purpose of the competition is to elevate the quality of museum communication with visitors, and the involvement of the Museum and Exhibition Studies students ensures that we are not simply recognizing the excellent work of current label copy writers and editors, but are also helping to develop the next generation of museum professionals.”

- John Russick, Senior Vice President, Chicago History Museum

Each year, during the AAM Annual Meeting, professionals from every corner of the field gather to share ideas and celebrate the year’s best in exhibition label writing. The forum for their conversations is a display showcasing the recognized entries for the Excellence in Exhibition Label Writing Competition presented by CurCom (AAM Curators Committee). In a field that puts such emphasis on community and collaboration, it is no surprise that the event feels more a brainstorming session than an awards display. The 2021 competition marks the first year that the Excellence in Exhibition Label Writing Competition has partnered with UIC’s Museum and Exhibitions Studies Graduate Program (MUSE). 

This year, Jojo Galvan, a graduate student in MUSE will serve as the Competition’s Project Manager. In this role, Jojo will assist in every aspect of the competition, from sending out the initial call for entries, to organizing the display at the AAM conference in Chicago in the spring of 2021. Through this partnership, the competition has become not only a chance for professionals to share their best work, but an opportunity for a graduate student to gain firsthand leadership experience, and make valuable connections in the museum field. To learn more about the competition, browse previous years’ winners, and submit your own label, see AAM’s website.