Dundee Contemporary Arts shortlisted for Museum of the Year prize

A Dundee arts centre is in the running to the named Museum Of The Year after being shortlisted alongside four others from across the UK.

Dundee Contemporary Arts could follow in the footsteps of the Burrell Collection in Glasgow to claim the world’s largest museum prize.

Other nominees include the Craven Museum in North Yorkshire and the National Portrait Gallery in London, the Manchester Museum and the Young Victoria and Albert (V&A) Museum in London.

Organisers said the finalists were recognised for having inspiring projects from autumn 2022 to winter 2023, with a “particular focus on community engagement, sustainable ways of working, and demonstration of ambition”.

The winning museum will be announced during a ceremony at the National Gallery on July 10 and will receive a £120,000 prize – while £15,000 will be given to each of the four other finalists.

Dundee Contemporary Arts is one of Scotland’s foremost contemporary arts organisations featuring two art galleries, a two-screen cinema and a print studio.

Art Fund director Jenny Waldman said on behalf of the judges: “The shortlisted museums for this year’s Art Fund Museum Of The Year prize are shining examples of the impact museums are making locally and nationally.

“Each of our finalists truly has something for everyone and all have community at the very heart of their programming.

“Their commitment to innovative partnerships whilst operating within an extremely challenging funding environment is incredible, and I’m so pleased to see the way they support and centre young people through their work.

“Across a wide range of size and scale, these organisations are all real leaders in their field.”

The judging panel includes broadcaster Vick Hope, artist Tania Kovats, former director-general of National Galleries of Scotland Sir John Leighton and the finance director of Historic Royal Palaces Anupam Ganguli.

The panel will visit each of the finalists to inform their decision-making, while each museum will make the most of being shortlisted over the summer through events and activities for new and current visitors.