It’s the world’s biggest museum prize, which recognises outstanding work and projects, and provides a platform to encourage more visitors to engage with their local museums far and wide.

To mark 120 years of Art Fund supporting museums, the winner's prize money has been increased for 2023 and beyond to £120,000, with £15,000 going to each of the four other finalists, bringing the total prize money to £180,000. In addition, there is the opportunity to work more broadly with Art Fund during the prize campaign and beyond. It’s the perfect platform to shout about who you are and what you do, and we will support you through every step of the process.

What are we looking for?

We recognise that museums and galleries across the UK have faced unprecedented challenges over the past couple of years. Yet they continue to adapt to a rapidly changing world with creativity and resilience. So, it is even more important to champion creativity, innovation and excellence.

Through the prize we want to acknowledge and celebrate the exceptional lengths museums go to in order to be welcoming spaces for everyone and create an environment to nurture professional talent – ensuring a sustainable model for the future.

Art Fund are encouraging applications from museums, galleries and historic houses of all shapes and sizes across the UK, who can tell inspiring stories and demonstrate the positive impact their work has had on their visitors and organisations. We are especially keen to hear from those who have adapted their ways of working in any of these areas:

• empowering audiences and communities
• building partnerships and networks in new ways
• embedding sustainable ways of working in all its forms

You can tell us about one or many projects that you undertook across the period of autumn 2021 through to winter 2022, which respond to any or all of these areas.

Whatever you decide to tell us about, we want to see examples of museums challenging the norm, thinking and doing things differently with confidence – all while building a positive legacy and demonstrating continued improvement. If you have a story to tell, we strongly encourage you to apply.

“I think the finalist nomination has done wonders for our reputation outside of Barnsley as well as fostering pride here – a lot of people mention it from all walks of life so it has made a big impact – we felt a lot of love from our communities.”

Experience Barnsley,
shortlisted in 2021

Could it be you?

If you are interested in applying or learning more about the prize or application process, please first read the application guidance pack, which details our terms and conditions and criteria for entry. You can also view the application questions in advance and find out more information about past winners and finalists here.

If you have any remaining questions, please contact Emma Mills, Art Fund Museum of the Year project manager, by emailing emills@artfund.org.

The deadline for applications is noon on 19 January 2023.