Lever Prize 2011 shortlist announced - 18/08/2010

The shortlist of four art organisations that are still in the running for the Lever Prize 2011 was announced yesterday (August 17th).

The shortlisted organisations are the Whitworth Art Gallery in Manchester, Band on the Wall, The Lowry in Salford and the Tatton Park Biennial.

These venues could win £10,000 in prize money when the winner is announced at a ceremony in March.

It is judged by the North West Business Leadership Team (NWBLT), comprising of 28 of the region's largest companies, and is designed to honour the best arts organisation in the north west.

Art galleries, art festivals, libraries and archives are all eligible for the prize.

Geoffrey Piper, chief executive of NWBLT, said: "The mission of the Lever Prize is to highlight the north west as being a bright, contemporary place for art and culture to develop and we believe that that can be achieved best through collaboration with business."

The Whitworth Gallery, which is located in the University of Manchester, was a runner-up in this year's prize.

It was opened to the public in 1908 and is now home to a collection of 18th and 19th century watercolours, including some by Turner.

Posted by Oliver Greaves