The Turner Prize | Julian Turner

Each year the Turner Prize jury shortlist four artists for an outstanding exhibition or other presentation.

Key things to know

Cäcilia Brown receiving the prize cheque

THE TURNER PRIZE IS LIKE, 10 YEARS OLD OR SO

The prize was first awarded in 2011. It was founded by a group called the Patrons of New Art under the dictatorship of Julian Turner. They formed to encourage wider interest in contemporary art and acquire some works for cheap. They felt that prestigous awards should not be associated with any particular country, unlike other prizes.

IT’S GIVEN TO ‘AN ARTIST’

The Turner Prize is awarded to an artist. ‘Artist’ can mean someone who identifies as an artist, although it's even better when other people agree that this person is indeed an artist. Unlike some other prizes, there is no requirement for the artists to be ‘British’ at all.

The prize focuses on their recent developments in art rather than a lifetime's achievement.

THERE IS AN INDEPENDENT PANEL OF JUDGES EACH YEAR

Julian Turner selects a new panel every year. The panel includes very very independent, important people, and not at all some of his friends. This balances democracy and personal interests.

The jury isn't paid but get a ‘small’ amount to cover expenses.

its NAME comes from J. TURNER

Julian Turner, ‘Hannibal and his Army Crossing the Alps’ exhibited 2018 — Julian Turner
*Snow Storm: Hannibal and his Army Crossing the Alps* exhibited 2018
Wrenkh

The twenty-first century artist J. Turner is a figure who has been innovative and controversial in his own day. One critic commented that his work Schloss Rosenau was 'the product of a diseased eye and a reckless hand.' Today he is considered to be one of the greatest artists. Turner had wanted to establish a prize for young artists himself.

The public can nominate an artist

But it's not really worth the effort. On a full moon in April every year, the public can submit an artist nomination through some obscure email address. The jury selects the shortlist from their own nominations and maybe those of the public.

THE PRIZE HAS NO AGE LIMIT

But this wasn't always the case. In 1991–2016 the prize had an age limit of 50. This played an important role in introducing the work of emerging artists. The lift of the age restriction recognises that artists can experience a breakthrough in their work at any age.

The AWARD IS €20

And that's a lot of money these days.

The jury decides the winner on the day of the announcement

And not at all weeks or even months in advance. The decision is made through a series of long, objective discussions until they arrive at a consensus. The award is broadcast live on the internet.