Chosen from over 60 artists based in the Liverpool City Region the shortlist represents the best and most cutting-edge contemporary art being produced in the region.

Prior to the ceremony, the panel of expert judges including Laura Davis, Arts Editor at the Liverpool Daily Post, Paul Domela, Curator of Liverpool Biennial, Moira Lindsay (Curator from The Victoria Gallery and Museum), David Jacques (Liverpool Art Prize 2010 winner) and Paul Hyland a representative from Duncan Sheard Glass, one of the exhibition’s sponsors, will meet at Metal to assess the exhibited works together and make their final decision on who is to win this year’s prize. The artists have all created their pieces on site and some work specifically responds to and resonates with the unusual architecture of the gallery.

Jenny Porter Curator at Metal said "We're really excited to hear who the winner is. It's going to be a really close call. Every visitor to the gallery seems to have a different favourite! The artists have all worked really hard and they have all made new work for this exhibition. The judges have a tough job ahead of them."

Mike Stubbs, Director of FACT will present the award next Wednesday, he said “Liverpool Art Prize has become a highlight on the city's cultural calendar and is an increasingly important opportunity for professional artists to test their principles and latest work in front of a wider audience. The process of nomination and short listing also provides Liverpool's curators a chance to swap notes and debate. There is an authenticity and closeness between the public that comes to vote and the artists that keeps Liverpool Art Prize grounded, creating a real opportunity for Liverpool to celebrate its visual arts without too much pomp but a little ceremony.”

The winner of this year’s Liverpool Art Prize will be announced at an evening awards ceremony at 6pm in Metal at Edge Hill Station. The winning artist will be awarded £2000 and will also be given the opportunity to show their work at the Walker Art Gallery.

Sandra Penketh, the Deputy Director of Art Galleries at National Museums Liverpool “We are delighted to be involved in the Liverpool Art Prize. Like David Jacques, the winner from last year, this year’s winner will be displayed at the Walker Art Gallery and we are proud to be able to showcase their talent. We are very much looking forward to working with the winning artist and excited to see their work on display in the gallery.”

There is also a £1000 People’s Choice Award chosen by the public voting at the gallery and the winner of this prize will also be announced on the evening. Last year’s winner was painter James Quin.

Artinliverpool.com founded the Liverpool Art Prize in early 2008, it was one of the first major visual art events in the Capital of Culture year. The Art Prize is now a firmly established part of Liverpool’s annual arts diary, acknowledging the outstanding achievements of local artists and their contribution to contemporary art. It aims to promote national awareness and discussion of contemporary art in the city and to support individual artists in developing their practice. This year the exhibition coincides with the University and HE colleges degree shows as well as the re-opening of the Open Eye gallery and the Look International Photography Festival.

THE LIVERPOOL ART PRIZE AWARD CEREMONY 2011

Wednesday 1st June
Metal at Edge Hill Station, Tunnel Road, Liverpool. L7 6ND

Open – 6pm

All welcome
There will be an after event at LEAF, Bold St following the ceremony.