HEREFORDSHIRE sculptor Des Hughes has helped The Hepworth Wakefield, the largest purpose-built gallery in the UK, to reach the shortlist for one of the highest value contemporary art awards in the country.

Now in its fifth year, the prestigious £60,000 prize is awarded to a UK museum to commission an artist of their choice to create a new work that will enrich their permanent collection.

The award also provides support and exposure for the winning artist at a critical point in their career.

The Hepworth Wakefield’s proposal for a new outdoor commission by Herefordshire sculptor Des Hughes will open to the public in 2014.

“I’m delighted to make it to the shortlist stage for this prestigious and valuable award and to have the opportunity to develop an ambitious commission with The Hepworth Wakefield into something really special for a large audience,”

said Des.

Sophia Bardsley, deputy director of the Contemporary Art Society, said: “Hughes’ work is currently under-represented in public collections and a commission at The Hepworth Wakefield would see a significant work being produced and on permanent display for the benefit of a wide audience.”

The winners of the £60,000 prize will be announced in an award ceremony in London on November 18, in the presence of artists, curators, collectors and art world VIPs.

The presenter of the award will be announced shortly – previous hosts have included Grayson Perry, Cornelia Parker and Jeremy Deller.