Art gallery in Colchester shortlisted for £100,000 national arts award

The award itself was created in 2016 by Elisabeth Murdoch, Freelands Foundation founder, with the aim of raising the profile of mid-career female artists and supporting cultural institutions.

£25,000 of the award is handed directly to the female artist chosen by the organisation.

According to Firstsite, as well as helping female artists, the Freelands Award enables institutions to realise a project which it couldn't bring to fruition without the funding.

Director of the gallery, Sally Shaw, said: "At Firstsite we are committed to promoting equity and diversity so we are thrilled to again be shortlisted for this incredible award and recognised by Freelands Foundation as one of the leading art organisations in the UK.

"Colchester has a radical history in relation to equality and Firstsite continues this legacy through its work celebrating women and female artists, from co-commissioning Gillian Wearing to create her Millicent Fawcett statue for Parliament Square, to our current Arts Council Collection exhibition, Tell me the story of all these things which was co-curated by an incredible group of women from across Colchester and explores the power of emotion – a trait so often connected exclusively to women.

"We would be delighted to receive the opportunity, through this award, to support another female artist to create an extraordinary artwork which can be enjoyed by all at Firstsite."

Firstsite is competing with other organisations in Milton Keynes, Eastbourne, Margate and Manchester.

They will find out if they are successful in December this year.