Mana Contemporary art museum in Jersey City received big news this week: they’ve been selected as a finalist in the 2015 Leading Culture Destinations Awards. The nomination recognizes the Jersey City museum as one of the world’s most visionary museums and cultural institutions. 

The two million-square-foot museum in Jersey City is a leading culture center in New Jersey and features 10 exhibition spaces, a theater, a dance studio, a foundry, a silkscreen studio and artist studios that house over 150 local artists. 

Eugene Lemay, founder and president of Mana Contemporary, commented in a release, "We are honored to be shortlisted with prestigious institutions. These awards highlight not only the importance of art in the public sphere, but also the exceptional level of innovation in the cultural sector."

Celebrating the vibrancy and vitality of museums and institutions around the world, Leading Culture Destinations Awards go to foundations that keep up with the constantly evolving art scene. Nominees and winners are selected from a long list of institutions put together by Global Ambassadors. Global Ambassadors are chosen from the art community’s most influential creative professionals – all are cultural nomads committed to supporting the arts and innovation.

This year the judging panel is chaired by Gail Dexter Lord of Lord Cultural Resources, one of the world's leading consultancies for cultural capital. Other panelists include Justine Simons OBE, Head of Culture at the Mayor of London's office, Neil Barrett, an Italian fashion designer, and Jacob Pabst, the CEO of ArtNet.

Florian Wupperfield, managing director of Leading Culture Destinations, said, "Mana caught our jury's attention for the exciting artists, organizations, and audience that it is attracting. We are delighted to recognize this innovative and integrated creative community."

The Leading Culture Destinations Awards will be held on October 9^th at the Jumeirah Hotel in London. We’re rooting for you, Mana. Good luck!

Stay up to date on all local NJ news and information about New Jersey attractions like Mana Contemporary and other museums in New Jersey. Check back regularly for our weekly posts on Jersey City news, events, and things to do in Jersey City!