Z-arts, Manchester’s primary venue for children and families is one of four cultural organisations from across the North West to have been shortlisted for the prestigious Lever Prize 2017.
Now in its 12th year, the winner will receive a £10,000 cash award and the opportunity to develop working relationships with some of the North West’s most influential business leaders.
“We’re delighted to have been shortlisted for the 2017 Lever Prize. This would be a perfect year for Z-arts to benefit from this award, combining with our recent announcement that we have been awarded Arts Council England Catalyst Evolve funding, which is also to help us build our networks with the corporate sector. The dual strength of both of these awards would signify a significant step-change for Z-arts. Winning the Lever prize would give us a brilliant opportunity to reach more of Manchester’s children and families to inspire them to use creative learning to maximise their potential.”
Geoffrey Piper, chief executive of NWBLT, said: “We are delighted to report that again the calibre of entries was extremely high and we were pleased to have received applications from all across the region. The judging for the Lever Prize takes place next month when the shortlisted candidates will present to a panel of NWBLT members and, as ever, it will be a hard decision choosing a winner!”
Previous Lever winners include Liverpool Biennial in 2006, Manchester International Festival in 2007, Tate Liverpool in 2008, the National Football Museum in 2009, Future Everything in 2010, Whitworth Art Gallery in 2011, Dada Fest in 2012, Hallé St Peter’s in 2013, Contact, Manchester in 2014, Manchester Museum in 2015 and the current holder is Museum of Science and Industry in Manchester for a project with FACT, Liverpool.
The identity of the 2017 Winner will be announced at a presentation event early in the New Year.