The Turner Prize comes to Sussex in 2023

One of the best-known prizes for the visual arts in the world, the Turner Prize aims to promote public debate around new developments in contemporary British art.  Established in 1984, the Prize is awarded to a British artist for an outstanding exhibition or other presentation of their work in the previous twelve months. The Turner Prize winner will be awarded £25,000 with £10,000 awarded to the other shortlisted artists.

The exhibition of Turner Prize’s four shortlisted artists will be presented at Towner Eastbourne from 28 September 2023 to 14 January 2024 with the announcement of the winner on 5 December 2023.

Bringing change to Eastbourne

Winner of Art Fund Museum of the Year 2020, Towner Eastbourne is well known for its collection of modern and contemporary British art and award-winning modernist gallery building.  As the largest gallery in the South East, Towner is also currently leading an ambitious culture-led Levelling Up project for Eastbourne that will further reinforce the area’s attraction as a major cultural destination internationally.

Tate Britain is the home of Turner Prize, but it regularly travels outside of London. In 2022 it will be at Tate Liverpool to mark 15 years since it was first held in the city as part of the European Capital of Culture. Turner Prize has been held in Coventry in 2021, Margate in 2019, Hull in 2017, Glasgow in 2015, Derry-Londonderry in 2013 and Gateshead in 2011.

Alex Farquharson, Director, Tate Britain and Chair of the Turner Prize jury, points out that it’s “the first time the prize has been held in Sussex, an area that has inspired generations of artists. Towner’s rich history of collecting and exhibiting work by UK artists particularly resonates with Turner Prize’s aim to champion the latest developments in contemporary British art, and we look forward to seeing how next year’s shortlisted artists will transform Towner’s newly redeveloped galleries.”

Joe Hill, Director of Towner Eastbourne, described the event as “a very special moment for our communities and for Towner, and a wonderful centrepiece to our centenary year programme.  The event will not only allow current and new audiences to experience some of the very best in contemporary art in our brand new galleries, but it will also reignite the visitor economy in East Sussex, with events planned across the county as well as across our own town to coincide with the exhibition.  I look forward to welcoming everyone to Towner in 2023 and would also like to thank Tate for this wonderful opportunity.”

Councillor David Tutt, Leader of Eastbourne Borough Council said:  “The Turner Prize coming to Eastbourne marks an important milestone in Eastbourne Borough Council’s ambition for everyone to have access to world-class cultural activity on their doorstep.  We are thrilled to be welcoming such a prestigious national event to one of our town’s best loved cultural venues and we know the impact that it will have on the town will be transformational.  We look forward to hosting an event that will engage our children and young people, encourage us to come together in a moment of civic pride, attract new visitors to Eastbourne and give world class artists an opportunity to show their work at the fantastic Towner Eastbourne”

More information about Towner 100 and the Turner Prize at Towner Eastbourne will be announced later in 2022.

Discover more art in Sussex

Visit the Towner Eastbourne website