CARDIFF, WALES, UK.- The Artes Mundi Prize exhibition, linked to one of the largest visual art prizes in the world, attracted more than 76,500 visits during its 12 week run at National Museum Cardiff this spring. This is 20% more than in 2004. Consumer research undertaken with visitors at weekends has shown that the exhibition has had a positive impact on visitors and on Cardiff as a whole.

One third of those interviewed for the research had not visited another gallery in the past twelve months and 16% of those interviewed had not visited National Museum Cardiff before. Of those visiting Cardiff almost half gave Artes Mundi as the main reason for coming to the city, with another 28% stating that the exhibition was an important factor in deciding to visit.

The independent research, commissioned by Amgueddfa Cymru – National Museum Wales and Artes Mundi, shows that the initiative, a celebration of visual culture from around the world, is appealing to a wide range of audiences, many of whom do not see themselves as regular ‘museum goers’.

Artistic Director for the Artes Mundi Prize, Tessa Jackson, said: “The visitor figures are really encouraging and the results of this independent research are also very positive, both for Artes Mundi and for National Museum Cardiff. The fact that many of those interviewed said that coming to see Artes Mundi was an important factor in their decision to visit Cardiff and the Museum, is important not only for the event itself but for the arts in Cardiff and South Wales.

“The Artes Mundi Prize is still in its infancy – this year was only the second time the Prize has been awarded. The success of both the exhibition and the Prize itself is very much due to the range of artists and their work. This year’s artists were from as far afield as Finland, Taiwan and Brazil but they all examined the human condition from their different perspectives. The research shows that this really struck a chord with those who visited the exhibition.

Michael Tooby, Director of Learning and Public Programming at Amgueddfa Cymru – National Museum Wales, added: “Amgueddfa Cymru – National Museum Wales is committed to developing a programme of events and exhibitions which attracts a new and wider audience. Our involvement with the Artes Mundi Prize project, both in 2004 and again this year, is important to the museum as a whole, and we will be continuing to develop programmes such as these over the next few years as we celebrate our centenary in 2007 and we realise our vision commitment of becoming a world class museum of learning.”

The call for nominations for artists for Artes Mundi 2008 will be made in September 2006. For further information visit www.artesmundi.org.