Northern Ireland’s Array Collective win UK Turner Prize
- The Belfast-based group of 11 artists produces a range of work addressing contemporary issues affecting Northern Ireland
- This is the first time the final contenders for the often controversial visual arts award have all been collectives
Array Collective, 11 Northern Ireland-based artists, won Britain’s prestigious Turner Prize on Wednesday, the first artists from the UK province to claim the award in a year dominated by collaborations.
It beat out competition from four other groups shortlisted – the first time the final contenders for the often controversial visual arts prize have all been collectives.
Belfast-based Array, which has been working together actively since 2016, produces varied artworks – from banners to performances – in response to contemporary issues affecting Northern Ireland.
“We are so proud to be from Belfast, to be of Belfast, and the communities we work with,” member Stephen Millar said as the group accepted the award at a televised ceremony in Coventry, central England.
Works by all five of the shortlisted nominees have been on display at the Herbert Art Gallery and Museum in Coventry – currently UK City of Culture – from late September until mid-January.