Tate Liverpool director says city has ‘strong connection’ to returning Turner Prize

Tate Liverpool will host the Turner Prize in 2022, marking a return to the city for one of the world’s best-known art prizes for the first time in 15 years.  Established in 1984, it is awarded to a British artist for an outstanding exhibition or other presentation of their work.

Opening in October 2022, the Turner Prize is Tate’s annual celebration of British artistic talent. It aims to promote public debate around new developments in contemporary British art.

Tate Liverpool was the first gallery outside London to host this prestigious prize in 2007. An independent jury will announce a shortlist of artists in May 2022 and the exhibition will open in October.

A winner will be selected at an awards ceremony in December.

High profile winners include Grayson Perry, Steve McQueen and Damien Hirst.

In 2015, Assemble and Granby Four Streets were awarded the Turner prize. The £25K prize went to the London-based architecture and design collective who renovated ten houses in the area. They impressed judges and residents alike by working closely with local creatives to develop imaginative designs for the interiors of the terraced houses in the Granby Four Streets area of Toxteth.

Helen Legg, Director, Tate Liverpool, said: ‘It is wonderful to be holding the Turner Prize at Tate Liverpool for the second time. It is a prize that captures the imaginations of audiences and has had a transformational impact on the way people understand contemporary art. With Radical Landscapes and the Turner Prize our 2022 programme will bring a global spotlight to the city and promises to be an exciting and captivating one for our visitors.’

Mayor of Liverpool, Joanne Anderson, said: ‘It’s a huge coup to once again host the prestigious Turner Prize in Liverpool.’

‘This is a city renowned for its rich, cultural scene, and it’s heart-breaking that the sector hasn’t been able to shine as brightly as it deserves over the past 18 months.’

‘This summer we are seeing some wonderful cultural work take place, but 2022 is certainly going to be a bumper year in the city for major events and arts. The return of the Turner Prize is brilliant news for Liverpool, the global spotlight will shine on us once more, and it feels like a real taste of things to come.’

‘It’s also fantastic news for Tate Liverpool lovers like myself – it’s one of my favourite places in the city and I never take for granted that the work of great artists, old and new, is literally on my doorstep.’

‘Fifteen years ago, the exhibition was a launch pad for the Capital of Culture year, and six years ago Assemble and Granby Four Streets won the accolade, cementing a real relationship between the city and the Turner Prize. I can’t wait for it to once again bring its unique perspective on art to the city to stimulate debate, inspire, enrich and surprise us as the best art always does.’