The five winners of this year’s unprecedented Art Fund Museum of the Year have been announced, with the institutions jointly receiving a total of £200,000.
Aberdeen Art Gallery, Gairloch Museum, Science Museum, South London Gallery and Eastbourne’s Towner Gallery have been announced as the five organisations selected by Art Fund’s judging panel to share the spoils at a time of great uncertainty across the creative industries.
Traditionally announced in a ceremony held in the summer, Art Fund’s annual industry event was, like so many things, derailed by Covid-19 and the subsequent government guidance on large gatherings. In lieu of the customary format the quintet of winners was announced by Grayson Perry live on The One Show.
The usual prize pot has been increased by 40% for 2020, in light of the turmoil brought on by the pandemic. Last year’s winner, St Fagans Museum of History, received £100,000, while the four other 2019 shortlistees scooped £10,000 in recognition of their achievements.
“This exceptional edition of Art Fund Museum of the Year will shine a spotlight on the incredible value museums bring to communities across the UK,” says Jenny Waldman, director of Art Fund.
This evening’s announcement begins a week of Art Fund events, debates and social activity – all with the aim of promoting the exceptional work of museums across the country and highlighting their potential to stimulate a national recovery from the Covid-19 crisis.