LONDON.- Broadcaster Kirsty Young will chair a panel of seven high profile judges who will choose the winner of The Art Fund Prize for museums and galleries 2010, the UK’s largest single arts prize. Kirsty’s fellow judges come from the worlds of media, arts, culture, science and academia:

• Kirsty Young (Chairman), broadcaster

• Kathy Gee, museums and heritage adviser

• Professor A C Grayling, Professor of Philosophy, Birkbeck College, London

• Professor J Steve Jones, Professor of Genetics, University College London

• Sally Osman, communications consultant and former Director of Communications, BBC

• Lars Tharp, Director, The Foundling Museum and BBC Antiques Roadshow expert

• Jonathan Yeo, artist

Of the Prize Kirsty said: “My fellow judges and I are delighted to be charged with awarding the 2010 prize, which celebrates excellence. We can’t wait to uncover some hidden gems and to enjoy the UK’s rich cultural offerings.”

In February 2010 the judges will announce their long list of ten institutions. They will then travel across the UK visiting each long listed organisation. A short list of four finalists will be announced in early May 2010. The winner of the £100,000 prize will be announced at a prestigious award ceremony in London in summer 2010. The submission process is underway and museums and galleries are invited to enter by 30 November 2009.