The Hepworth Wakefield announced as a finalist for Art Fund Museum of the Year 2017
27 Apr 2017
Art Fund Museum of the Year 2017 is the world’s largest and most prestigious prize for museums.
The Hepworth Wakefield has been selected as one of five finalists for Art Fund Museum of the Year 2017, the world’s largest and most prestigious prize for museums. This is the second time the gallery has been shortlisted since opening in 2011.
The winning museum will be announced at a ceremony at the British Museum on Wednesday 5 July 2017 and will receive £100,000 to use to benefit wide audiences. For the first time, each of the shortlisted museums will receive £10,000 as recognition of their achievements.
Simon Wallis OBE, Director of The Hepworth Wakefield, said: “We are so delighted that our work throughout our fifth anniversary year has been recognised by being shortlisted for this prestigious and coveted prize. 2016 was an exceptional year for The Hepworth Wakefield because of the number and variety of people we welcomed to experience our ambitious and intelligently popular exhibitions, valued learning opportunities and engaging public events. In particular, we are proud of the successful launch of the first Hepworth Prize for Sculpture, which did so much to reaffirm and extend Yorkshire’s position as the home of British sculpture. It’s a great honour for the whole team at the gallery, and for the city of Wakefield, for our work to be nominated for Art Fund Museum of the Year 2017.”
The other finalists are: The Lapworth Museum of Geology, Birmingham; The National Heritage Centre for Horseracing & Sporting Art, Newmarket; Sir John Soane’s Museum, London; and Tate Modern, London.
Art Fund Museum of the Year 2017 Finalist
The finalists were selected by a panel of judges comprising:
Dr Stephen Deuchar CBE (Chair) – Art Fund Director;
Professor Richard Deacon CBE – British sculptor;
Dr Hartwig Fischer – Director of the British Museum;
Munira Mirza – Arts and Philanthropy Advisor and former deputy London mayor for Culture and Education
Jo Whiley – Radio DJ and television presenter.
Speaking on behalf of the jury, Stephen Deuchar said: “Each of these museums has had a remarkable year, reaching – in a range of ways – new heights in their efforts to serve and inspire their visitors. Whether unveiling new buildings, galleries, displays or public programmes, all the finalists have shown a real commitment to innovation and experimentation, offering fresh perspectives and news ways of seeing and understanding their collections.”
The Hepworth Wakefield is asking visitors to the gallery why they think it should be named Art Fund Museum of the Year. Visitors can share their stories, reviews, photos, memories and moments on social media using @artfund #museumoftheyear.
