Turner Contemporary will host one of the most prestigious contemporary art events in the world – Turner Prize 2019.
It was announced today (May 24) that the Margate gallery has been chosen to be the venue for one of the best known prizes for the visual arts across the globe.
The Turner Prize aims to promote public debate around new developments in contemporary British art. Every other year, the prize leaves Tate Britain and is presented at a venue outside London. In 2019 it will be presented at Turner Contemporary which, since opening in 2011, has had a catalytic effect on social and cultural regeneration in Kent, and has established an international reputation.
‘Thrilled’
Victoria Pomery OBE, Director of Turner Contemporary said: “We are thrilled to host the Turner Prize here at Turner Contemporary in 2019. This is a truly transformative opportunity for Margate to be part of something which invites conversations on an international scale, connecting our audiences to outstanding contemporary art and inspiring future generations of creative talent.
“It seems even more fitting to host the prize here in Margate on the site where JMW Turner was so inspired. We look forward to working with our existing and new stakeholders and colleagues at Tate on this exciting initiative.’
Alex Farquharson, Director, Tate Britain and Chair of the Turner Prize jury, said: “Turner Contemporary is an exceptional venue with ambitious exhibition and public engagement programmes. It has helped revitalize south east Kent, and the area is also now home to an exciting artist-led scene.”
Rob Kenyon, Director of Community Services at Thanet District Council, added: “As home to a rapidly expanding creative sector, Margate is witnessing first-hand the power of cultural led regeneration.
“We are therefore delighted that the world’s most prestigious contemporary art event is coming to the town in 2019. Thanet is already the UK’s fastest growing tourism economy so the publicity and interest that this prize attracts will provide yet another fantastic boost for the region and cement its reputation as a global cultural powerhouse.
“This is brilliant news and a credit not just to those at Turner Contemporary, Kent County Council and Thanet District Council but also those in the local creative sector who have worked tirelessly behind the scenes to make this happen.”
The Turner Prize
The Turner Prize has previously been shown in Liverpool in 2007, Gateshead in 2011, Derry in 2013 and Glasgow in 2015. Turner Prize 2017 will be at Ferens Art Gallery in Hull as part of the 2017 UK City of Culture celebrations from 26 September 2017 to 7 January 2018.
Established in 1984, the prize is awarded to a British artist for an outstanding exhibition or other presentation of their work in the previous 12 months. The award is £40,000 with £25,000 going to the winner and £5,000 each for the other shortlisted artists.