Recently, the Turner Prize made headlines due to its decision to cancel the 2020 award ceremony amid the COVID-19 pandemic, instead opting to split the prize money among the four shortlisted artists. This move was seen as a response to the challenges faced by artists during the global health crisis. Additionally, the decision to remove the age limit for eligibility in 2017 sparked discussions about inclusivity and diversity in the art world.
The Turner Prize, established in 1984, is one of the most prestigious awards in the art world, named after the renowned English painter J. M. W. Turner. It is awarded annually to a British visual artist under the age of 50, or to a group of artists, for an outstanding exhibition or presentation of their work in the preceding year. The prize aims to promote public discussion of contemporary British art and has been associated with controversy and innovation since its inception. The winning artist receives a monetary award, while the other shortlisted artists also benefit from the exposure and recognition that the prize brings.