This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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Gulbenkian Prize for Edinburgh
12/05/2004
Culture Minister Frank McAveety has congratulated the
Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art on winning the
prestigious Gulbenkian Prize for Museum of the Year.
Against opposition from around the UK, the Gallery's
"Landform" exhibition by Charles Jencks took the UK's
single largest arts prize.
The Minister said:
"I am delighted that the Scottish Gallery of Modern Art
has won the Gulbenkian Prize for Museum of the Year.
'Landform' provides a magical back-drop to many of the
Gallery's activities.
"Scotland has world-class museums and galleries, and
this achievement shows that they are striving to be even
better. The award demonstrates that the arts in Scotland
are flourishing."
The Gulbenkian Prize for Museum of the Year recognises
and rewards the most original new development of the
previous calendar year in a museum or gallery, large or
small, anywhere in the UK.
The SNGMA decided to redevelop its extensive grounds
and reorganise its collection of out-door sculpture.
Dumfriesshire-based architect Charles Jencks was
commissioned for an extraordinary centrepiece.
The result, Landform (based on the concept of chaos
theory) is part sculpture, part garden, part land-art, a
magical back-drop for everything from exhibition openings
to the Gallery's Fun Day for families.
From a list of 13 contenders, three other finalists
selected for the shortlist were the Museum of Antiquities,
Newcastle upon Tyne for Reticulum, Pembrokeshire Museum
Service in Wales for Varda, a travelling exhibition based
in a Gypsy caravan, and Norton Priory Museum in Runcorn for
Positive Partnerships, working with people with learning
disabilities.
A single award of £100,000 is awarded to the most
innovative and inspiring idea - whether it is an
exhibition, visual arts project, community programme, or
new building.
The judging panel for the second Gulbenkian Prize for
Museum of the Year is chaired by Loyd Grossman OBE -
broadcaster and Chairman of the Campaign for Museums - and
comprises Rosie Millard, arts correspondent for the BBC and
freelance journalist; Peter Jenkinson OBE, National
Director of Creative Partnerships; Joan Bakewell CBE,
broadcaster and writer; Mark Lythgoe, neurophysiologist and
lecturer; Sokari Douglas Camp, sculptor; Mark Bolland, PR
professional and former Deputy Private Secretary to HRH the
Prince of Wales.