Chapter has been announced as one of five finalists for Art Fund Museum of the Year 2025, the world’s largest museum prize.
Art Fund, the national charity for museums and galleries, annually shortlists five outstanding museums for Museum of the Year. The 2025 prize recognises inspiring projects and activity from autumn 2023 through to winter 2024. In addition to looking at the overall achievements of the organisation, the judges are tasked with identifying impactful projects that spotlight the wide range of remarkable people, including museum staff and volunteers, who bring museums to life by engaging with communities, families and younger visitors, artists and creatives.
“We’re thrilled to be shortlisted for this prestigious award and delighted to be in such good company! This accolade is a testament to the many brilliant artists, partners, creative collaborators, staff and volunteers who bring their energy and imaginations to our venue every day. We’re proud to represent Wales and the communities who’ve been by our side for the last 54 years.” Hannah Firth, Artistic Director & Co-Director
Chapter (Cardiff) – one of Wales’ leading arts centres, Chapter is rooted in the heart of Cardiff and comprises a gallery, artists’ studios, theatres, cinemas, a café bar and community garden. Their approach centres community through programmes that prioritise social and cultural equity, connection and shared purpose.
The other shortlisted museums are Beamish, The Living Museum of the North (County Durham); Compton Verney (Warwickshire); Golden Thread Gallery (Belfast) and Perth Museum (Perth).
The winning museum, recipient of £120,000, will be announced on 26 June at a ceremony at the Museum of Liverpool, the first time the event will be held outside London. £15,000 will be given to each of the four other finalists – bringing the total prize money to £180,000.
The 2025 judging panel, chaired by Art Fund director Jenny Waldman, includes: Rana Begum (Artist), Dr David Dibosa (Director of Research and Interpretation, Tate), Jane Richardson (Chief Executive, Amgueddfa Cymru – Museum Wales) and Phil Wang (Comedian, Writer, Actor). The judges will visit each of the finalists to inform their decision-making, while each museum will make the most of being shortlisted over the summer through events and activities for new and current visitors.
The prize is funded thanks to the generosity of Art Fund’s members who buy a National Art Pass. Art Pass holders can enjoy £5 tickets to cinema and theatre events at Chapter from 29 April–26 June 2025 and 10% off in the café all year round.
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Chapter’s upcoming Gallery programme:
Eimear Walshe: MIXED MESSAGES FROM THE IRISH REPUBLIC
1 March — 25 May. Free.
MIXED MESSAGES FROM THE IRISH REPUBLIC is Eimear’s first UK solo show and features new and existing works including ROMANTIC IRELAND which was presented at the Irish Pavilion for the 2024 Venice Biennale of Art.
Through video and sculpture, the exhibition explores the love and grief for a land entangled in colonial legacies, revolution, rebellion and undelivered promise.
Steve McQueen: Grenfell
10 May — 15 June. Free.
In response to the fire that took place at Grenfell Tower in North Kensington, West London in 2017 — a tragedy in which 72 people died — McQueen filmed the tower before it was covered in hoarding to create a lasting legacy.
A four-day accompanying programme of talks, workshops and performances supported by Grenfell Foundation and curated by Common/Wealth will speak to the fight for justice for Grenfell and the importance of community activism.
Feeding Chair
29 May — 3 August. Free.
Feeding Chair is a collaborative, touring artwork that invites parents and carers to feed their young children in public venues. Featuring artwork by Jade de Montserrat, the chair also integrates audio and video works by artists and activists about infant feeding, gender and public space.
THE HERDS
30 May. Free.
A day of learning and action on the climate emergency and multi-species justice. Families are invited to get creative together to make puppets and sculptures of creatures that are endangered in Wales and add words to a conservation activism song. The day will finish with a parade of the creations and a performance of the song.