A CITY library and museum co-founded by a former Evening Times Scotswoman of the Year has been shortlisted for a prestigious award.

Glasgow Women’s Library, set up by Adele Patrick, is the only Scottish finalist for Art Fund Museum of the Year 2018.

Adele, who was crowned SWOTY in 2015, said it was a ‘historically significant’ moment for the much-loved Bridgeton institution which is the first ever museum rooted in feminism to make it on to the shortlist.

She said: “Being given the huge accolade of a place on the Art Fund Museum of the Year 2018 shortlist is both a public recognition of the innovative work we have been delivering in 2017 and a sign that the sector is ripe for change.

“This endorsement for GWL’s radically inclusive approach is occurring in the context of campaigns like #blacklivesmatter, #metoo and #museumdetox and the blossoming of calls for action on representation and inclusion within and beyond the cultural and museum sectors.”

Adele, who is GWL’s Lifelong Learning and Creative Development Manager, added: “Whereas mainstream museums are being increasingly ‘called out’ for their resistance to change, GWL is exploring and modelling ways of shaping governance, collecting, programmes, curating and access that are now being seen as relevant and timely.

“To have made it on to the list of finalists is a historically significant moment for GWL and its huge community of supporters, from renowned artists and writers who have been inspired by its collections to those who have had life changing experiences as literacy learners, volunteers and donors.

“We are hoping that this could also mark a sea change in the wider sector where the ‘easy to ignore’ become key agents for change in the museums of the future.”

Supported by Art Fund, the £100,000 Museum of the Year prize is designed to get to the heart of what makes a truly outstanding museum, seeking out innovation and exceptional achievement in museums and galleries all across the UK, and working to encourage more people to visit.

Judges said the museum had been shortlisted in recognition of its innovative, community-driven approach.

Glasgow Women’s Library is the only Accredited Museum in the UK dedicated to women’s lives, histories and achievements and is a Recognised Collection of National Significance.

It is shortlisted alongside Brooklands Museum, Weybridge; The Postal Museum, London; Ferens Art Gallery, Hull, and Tate St Ives. The winner will be announced at the Victoria and Albert Museum on July 5.