People's History Museum nominated for Arts Fund Prize 2011

We are thrilled to hear that All About Audiences Subscribers, People's History Museum are in the running for the Art Fund Prize 2011, the UK’s largest arts prize. 

The news was announced last night by Michael Portillo, Chair of the Judges, on BBC Radio 4’s Front Row. There are ten museums that have been long listed for the prestigious £100,000 award.

The Art Fund Prize 2011 rewards excellence and innovation in museums and galleries across the UK for a project completed or undertaken in 2010.

Katy Archer, Director of the People’s History Museum, said: “Being long listed for the 2011 Art Fund Prize is testimony to the success and achievements of the museum since reopening our new building in 2010. The transformation of the People’s History Museum is due to the team effort that went into the project from our staff, project team, contractors, funders, supporters and audiences. We are very pleased to be included on the long list and very proud of our museum. This announcement further inspires our ambition and plans for the museum’s future success and growth.”

The short list of four museums will be announced on 19 May and the winner awarded the prize at the ‘Museum of the Year’ ceremony on 15 June.

Art Fund Prize Online Poll

Following from the success of the public vote last year, there is an online poll for the 2011 Art Fund Prize. Members of the public are invited to vote online at www.artfundprize.org.uk for their favourite long listed museum - and tell the judges who they think should win.

The other nine long listed institutions are:

• British Museum, London, A History of the World
• Hertford Museum, Hertfordshire, Hertford Museum’s Development Project
• Leighton House, London, Closer To Home: The Restoration and Reopening of Leighton House Museum
• Mostyn, Llandudno, Wales, Refurbishment and extension of Mostyn gallery
• Polar Museum, University of Cambridge, Promoting Britain’s Polar Heritage
• The new Robert Burns Birthplace Museum, Alloway
• Roman Baths Museum, Bath, Roman Baths Development
• V&A, London, Ceramics Study Galleries
• Yorkshire Museum, York, Letting in the Light – Revitalising the Yorkshire Museum for the 21st century

The panel of judges will visit the ten long listed museums before meeting to decide on the short list. They will all take part in official visits but will also visit as ‘mystery shoppers’.

Best of luck from all at All About Audiences.