Band on the Wall nominated for 2011 Lever Prize

After a major redevelopment and a year of critically acclaimed concerts, education programme and arts events, Manchester’s Band on the Wall has been nominated for the prestigious 2011 Lever Prize.

The Lever Prize is judged by the North West Business Leadership Team (NWBLT), which consists of of 28 of the regions most influential companies, in partnership with Arts and Business North.

Band on the Wall is thrilled to have been selected, after undergoing a major refurbishment, re-opening less than a year ago and having already scooped the City Life Best Night Spot prize at the 2010 Manchester Tourism Awards.

Band on the Wall’s Development Manager, Najia Baji said:

“We are thrilled to have been shortlisted for such a prestigious award. Band on the Wall feels that links between arts and business is extremely important to the creative sector so recognition as a leading organisation in this area is absolutely brilliant. We’re looking forward to a very bright future.”

Regarding the 2011 nominees announcement, Geoffrey Piper, Chief Executive of NWBLT, said:

“The calibre of the entries for the 2011 Lever Prize has been of an exceptionally high standard.

“The four shortlisted organisations have been invited to present to a panel of judges comprising members of the NWBLT and representatives from Arts and Business North along with a past winner of the Lever.

“The mission of the Lever Prize is to highlight the North West as being a bright, contemporary place for art and culture to develop and we believe that that can be achieved best through collaboration with business.”

The other nominees for the award are The Whitworth Art Gallery, The Lowry and the Tatton Park Biennial.

The award is not just for art groups - buildings, events, festivals, libraries and archives are all eligible not only for the cash prize but for the year long collaboration with the region’s top business leaders.

Previous winners include Liverpool Biennial in 2006, Manchester International Festival in 2007, Tate Liverpool in 2008 and the National Football Museum in 2009. The current holder (2010) is Future Everything.

The 2011 Winner will be announced at a presentation event in Manchester in March.