Four museums and galleries are in the running to receive one of the UK's largest arts awards after being named on 2010 Art Fund Prize shortlist.

Oxford's Ashmolean Museum - one of the oldest in Britain; Ulster Museum, Belfast; the Herbert Art Gallery and Museum, Coventry; and Blists Hill Victorian Town, Ironbridge Gorge Museum Trust are vying for the £100,000 prize. The Art Fund Prize aims to recognise some of the most innovative cultural projects at venues across Britain, with the shortlisted sites being selected by a panel of judges chaired by Kirsty Young.

A poll has opened to allow members of the public to provide their support for one of the four shortlisted attractions, which will then be considered by the panel in its final judgement. Art Fund director Stephen Deuchar said: "This year's short list is exceptionally strong; it vividly demonstrates the range of ways in which museums are creatively using their collections to engage visitors."

The Art Fund Prize for museums and galleries is administered by the Museum Prize Trust, which was established in 2002 by the Art Fund, the Campaign for Museums, the Museums Association and Natural Heritage. Image - Oxford's Ashmolean Museum is one of the four shortlisted attractions