Thousands come together to help Warwick’s Market Hall museum win national competition

After rally cries across the town - including publicity in the Courier - the Market Hall Museum came top of the 
public vote in the Culture 24’s national Connect 10 Museum at Night competition.

This means that the venue will be taken back to its roots and turned back into a market hall for one night only, with a unique goods exchange 
economy and trading floor and more than 50 market stalls will be set up representing museums and local 
community organisations alike.

Market Hall’s proposal will be supported by internationally renowned artist Alex Hartley, made famous by his work with Cultural Olympiad for projects including the 2012 Olympic Games.

Market Hall Museum convincingly beat three other projects from Edinburgh, Berwick-upon-Tweed and Burnley taking part in the national Museum at Night event.

It received 4,784 votes - 55 per cent of the total votes.

Cllr John Holland, who represents the ward that includes the museum, said: “It’s a really important thing for Warwick and a big vote of confidence for Warwick residents.

“The museums are really important for Warwick residents, but they also bring in visitors to the town, which is good for our town’s economy.

“This will see more visitors coming to Warwick throughout the year and the town centre businesses will benefit as a result.”

Cllr Colin Hayfield, Warwickshire County Council’s portfolio holder for customers, said: “I’m delighted for the Heritage and Culture Warwickshire team. Winning this national competition will certainly put Warwick on the arts map this year.”

Warwick Rocks and local events management company Sketts will be working in partnership with Heritage and Culture Warwickshire to provide the stalls for the exhibition, which are open to everyone. Heritage and Culture 
Warwickshire County arts officer Clare Mitchell said: “We are ecstatic to have won and we are so pleased by all the support that local businesses and the community have given us. We are looking forward to getting started on our project with Alex, and to host a fantastic exhibition of our heritage and cultural contribution, all the things that make Warwickshire a fantastic place to live and work today.”

For more information see www.culture24.org.uk/places-to-go/museums-at-night/art461578

If you are interested in curating a museum market stall contact [email protected]