The prize recognises flourishing North West cultural organisations worthy of international recognition.

Sponsored by the North West Business Leadership Team, who founded the award in 2005, and Arts and Business North West, the ultimate winner of The Lever Prize will receive £20,000 along with a distinctive trophy and the option to collaborate with the region’s top companies.

		'Escape Vehicle No. 4' - part of Tatton Park Biennial. © Sam Youd

This year Tatton Park has been hosting a biennial with a number of arts and cultural events. The 1,000 acre parkland has played host to artists such as Paulette Philips, Heather and Ivan Morrison and Lisa Cheung, who have all produced semi permanent pieces, which were displayed in different areas of the parkland.

However it hasn’t been all art and installations at Tatton Park, on August 23 2008 there was a Viking invasion. Cestrescire Living History Group arrived staging a mock naval battle for children. The anarchy is set to continue with the arrival of the American Civil War society, who will be recreating the turbulent period of U.S history, this weekend, September 20 and 21.

Home to the largest single collection of football memorabilia in the world, The National Football Museum in Preston, has also been nominated for The Lever Prize.

Bobby Charlton was inducted into the Hall of Fame at the National Football Museum in 2002. © National Football Museum

Attractions here include the Hall of Fame and a viewing platform where visitors can look out on to the historic North End stadium. The museum also runs an extensive educational programme aimed at using a child’s interest in football to encourage their creativity with poetry workshops and arts and crafts sessions.

“We're honoured that the museum has been shortlisted to receive this prestigious award,” said Kevin Moore, Director of the National Football Museum. “We feel that we have a world-class cultural venue here in Preston and winning the Lever Prize would help endorse this.”

Manchester based not for profit creative company, FutureEverything CIC, has also been shortlisted for the prize. All those shortlisted will invited to present to the judges this month. The winner of The Lever Prize will be announced in January 2009.