Judges looking for ‘inspiring projects’
Did you know that there are around 2,500 museums in the UK?
Many of them are free for us to visit and the number includes national museums, local authority museums, university museums, independent museums, historic properties and heritage sites. And let’s not forget the fantastic array of galleries which span the British Isles, both at a regional and national level.
Well, organisers for the Art Fund Museum of the Year 2025 have just announced a great opportunity for a winning museum to be awarded £120,000 with £15,000 being given to each of the four finalists.
The team behind the project explain it’s the world’s largest museum prize and add that the Art Fund Museum of the Year ‘complements Art Fund’s charitable programme in support of museums, which includes grant giving, support and partnerships.’
‘Art Fund Museum of the Year celebrates the exceptional power of the UK’s leading museums and the vital role they play in their communities,’ explains Jenny Waldman, Art Fund director and Art Fund Museum of the Year Chair of Judges.
‘This year, we’re shining a light on the inspiring individuals who make these spaces so valuable and welcoming to the many audiences they serve.’
‘We encourage museums of all sizes, from every corner of the country, that are engaging with their communities in innovative ways, to apply.’
The clock is ticking though as entrants have from now until 27 January 2025 to apply. The total prize money is £180,000.
Outstanding and inspiring projects
Art Fund is seeking applications from any UK museum, gallery or historic place, whatever their scale, for outstanding and inspiring projects between autumn 2023 through to winter 2024.
For the 2025 edition of the prize, in addition to looking at the overall achievements of the organisation, the judges are tasked to identify ‘impactful projects that spotlight the wide range of people that bring museums to life.’
This includes museum staff, by engaging with and working meaningfully alongside communities, families and younger visitors, artists and creatives.
A shortlist of five museums will be announced in early May 2025 and the winner will be revealed in late June at an award ceremony at the Museum of Liverpool, the first time the event will be held outside of London.
Art Fund Museum of the Year 2024 was awarded to Young V&A in East London. Dr Helen Charman, Director of Young, was presented with the £120,000 prize by the broadcaster Vick Hope at a ceremony at the National Gallery in London.
The prize is funded thanks to the generosity of Art Fund’s members who buy a National Art Pass. Art Pass holders enjoy discounts and benefits at the shortlisted museums and hundreds more across the UK.