Wellcome Collection short-listed for The Art Fund Prize
22 April 2008
This is the first year that The Art Fund, the UK's leading independent art charity, has sponsored this major arts prize (formerly the Gulbenkian Prize). The prize is open to all accredited museums and galleries in the UK in recognition of originality and excellence. It also aims to increase public appreciation and enjoyment of all they have to offer.
"Since opening Wellcome Collection in June of last year, we have been delighted with the enthusiastic response from our visitors to our ideas about the connections between medicine, life and art," said Clare Matterson, Wellcome Trust Director of Medicine, Society and History. "I am sure that if Henry Wellcome, our founder, were alive today he would be as thrilled and honoured as we are that Wellcome Collection is on the list for the prestigious Art Fund Prize alongside some of the country's top visitor attractions."
Following judges' visits to a long list of ten venues, four museums and galleries have been short-listed. The winner will be announced on Thursday 22 May at the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) in London during Museums and Galleries Month 2008.
The other three contenders for this year's Art Fund Prize are The British Empire and Commonwealth Museum in Bristol, for 'Breaking the Chains'; The Lightbox gallery and museum in Woking; and Shetland Museum and Archives.
The Wellcome Trust would like to extend thanks to all of those who have visited and supported Wellcome Collection during its first year.
For more information about this year's long list, short list and the judging panel, please visit The Art Fund Prize website.