The Shetland Museum and Archives is amongst four UK museums to have made the short list for the Art Fund Prize for museums and galleries 2008, it was announced last week.
The Museum is the only Scottish representative on the short list and will battle it out against The British Empire and Commonwealth Museum in Bristol, The Lightbox gallery and museum in Woking, and London’s Wellcome Collection, for the prestigious title and £100,000 Art Fund Prize.
Welcoming the news, Islands Manager for VisitShetland, Andy Steven, said: “It’s fantastic that the Shetland Museum and Archives has made the final short list of four museums, and right and proper recognition of a truly first class visitor attraction. To reach this stage in the contest is a real accolade in itself, and the museum staff should be very proud of their achievements.
“I am delighted that the range of over 3,000 artefacts, archival material and regularly updated exhibitions has caught the judges’ attention and am confident that the museum has a strong chance of winning this prestigious prize.”
The short list for The Art Fund Prize (formerly The Gulbenkian Prize) was selected from a long list of ten UK museums and galleries. The other six in the running were:
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the British Library, London, for ‘Sacred – Discover what we share’;
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International Slavery Museum, Liverpool;
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London Transport Museum;
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National Army Museum, London, for ‘Helmand: The Soldiers’ Story’;
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Topsham Museum River Gallery Project, Topsham Museum, Exeter;
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The Pier Arts Centre, Orkney.
The winner will be announced on 22 May at the Royal Institute of British Architects in London.
