Collective win Turner Prize

A GROUP of Belfast-based artists whose work is a response to issues affecting Northern Ireland have been named the winners of this year’s Turner Prize.

Array Collective, comprised of 11 artists, ‘create collaborative actions in response to socio-political issues’.

Their success was announced at a ceremony in Coventry Cathedral where they were presented with the £25,000 prize money.

The five-strong shortlist this year was made up entirely of artist collectives for the first time in the history of the award, with no single person chosen.

The four other nominees – Black Obsidian Sound System (B.O.S.S.), Cooking Sections, Gentle/Radical and Project Art Works – were all awarded £10,000.

The jury awarded the top prize to Array Collective for ‘their hopeful and dynamic artwork which addresses urgent social and political issues affecting Northern Ireland with humour, seriousness and beauty’.