Museum competes for UK arts prize

The Art Fund Prize is open to all museums and galleries in the UK

A Shetland museum has been short listed for a major UK art prize.

Shetland Museum and Archives is competing for the �100,000 prize being offered by the art charity, The Art Fund.

The others are the Wellcome Collection in London, The Lightbox in Woking, Surrey, and the British Empire and Commonwealth Museum in Bristol.

Formerly The Gulbenkian Prize, it is open to all accredited museums and galleries in the UK.

Sue MacGregor, chair of the judges, said: "We've been greatly impressed by each of the museums we've looked at over the past few weeks, and I'm delighted that the shortlist of four continues our theme of diversity, distinctiveness and real excellence.

"Any one of them could be a worthy winner, which makes our next task, finding that winner, very challenging indeed."

'Proper recognition'

The award aims to "stimulate originality and excellence" in museums and galleries.

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 winner will be announced in May at the Royal Institute of British Architects in London.

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