Objective
The Statement of Significance is an external-facing component of an acquisition proposal. It is critical in deciding whether objects are acquired into the collection.
It should be 150–300 words, written in two to three paragraphs:
- Paragraph 1 – Describe the object or collection (physical or digital), including its materials and the artist/maker/designer.
- Paragraph 2 – Summarise the cultural, social, or historical context of the acquisition.
- Paragraph 3 – Add any other relevant information, such as provenance, condition, or links to other collection items.
Think of it as the museum’s way of explaining what makes the object important — its design, its story, and its place in a wider context. You can read a detailed document on thinking about significance here.
Writing Guidance
- Aim for short, clear sentences.
- Keep the structure consistent.
- Use timeless, accessible language.
- Stay within the word count.
Referencing Guide for Volunteers
Please include a short reference (on a seperate page) for where you found your information.
- Include a short reference for where you found your information.
- Use links to websites when available.
- For books or articles, include the title and author.
- For cultural knowledge or stories, note the community or person and where it was shared.
- No need for formal academic style — just keep it clear and consistent.
Example of referencing style
Research Prompts
To get started, you might ask:
- Did the creation or use of this object influence society in some way?
- Was it made or used by someone influential? Why are they significant?
- What was happening in the world at the time?
- Is this object important to a group of people? Why?
- What was the focus of the Powerhouse Museum when it was acquired?
- What do you find most interesting about its story?
Checklist for Strong Significance Statements
150–300 words
2–3 paragraphs (object, context, other relevance)
Clear, timeless writing
All claims referenced
Reference list on a separate page