How the shortlisted entrants are described:

The Wedgwood Museum, Barlaston

Housed in a striking contemporary building designed by Stoke-on-Trent architects Hulme Upright Manning, on the historic manufacturing site of Josiah Wedgwood and Sons Limited, the new Wedgwood Museum celebrates the art of ceramics.

The museum is dedicated to the people who have made objects of great beauty from the soil of Staffordshire and celebrates the universally famous Wedgwood name. Whether visitors are just looking at beautiful objects or have a specialist knowledge, the museum gives a fascinating insight into the life of Josiah Wedgwood, his family, and the company he founded two and a half centuries ago.

Kelvingrove Art Gallery, Glasgow

The UK's most visited museum outside London, the Kelvingrove Art Gallery displays more than 8,000 objects relating to art, science, history and natural history.

The Centre of New Enlightenment (TCONE) is a programme of educational events and experiences that begin with a cinematic and handheld-computer tour for young people at Kelvingrove. The aim is to use the unique museum environment to inspire young people to achieve success in their lives.

Orleans House Gallery, Twickenham

In an elegant setting by the river Thames, Orleans House Gallery provides a vibrant home for heritage, arts and learning.

The Gallery buildings include the Octagon Room designed by James Gibb in 1720, the only remnant of Orleans House, an 18th century riverside villa demolished in 1926. The Gallery now holds the Richmond Borough Art Collection which comprises over 2,400 paintings, prints and drawings relating to the Borough as well as the Burton Collection, the personal effects and paintings of the Victorian explorer and writer Sir Richard Burton.

Ruthin Craft Centre: The Centre for the Applied Arts, Denbighshire

In 2008 the Ruthin Crafts Centre opened a stunning new building, designed by Sergison Bates Architects, which underlines its role as the most important centre for the presentation of contemporary crafts in Wales.

Three new galleries have been specially designed to display craft. Works from major collections are shown to their best advantage alongside some of the most innovative applied art being made by international artists today.