Founded in 1984, the Turner Prize is a world-renowned art prize. Each year it is awarded to a living artist, born or working in the UK, for an outstanding exhibition of their work in the preceding year. It is accompanied by an exhibition of the four shortlisted artists.

The award was conceived to encourage wider engagement in contemporary art and assist the (formally known) Tate Gallery in acquiring new works. It was named after J.M.W. Turner, who, though now considered one of Britain’s greatest artists, was once a controversial figure among his contemporaries. Like the artist, Turner Prize nominees often spark public debate surrounding the definition of art today.

Previous prize winners and nominees include Damien Hirst, Gilbert and George, Richard Long, Fiona Rae, and Jane and Louise Wilson.

Image: Movement (VI), 2013 © Catherine Yass. All Rights Reserved, DACS/Artimage. Image courtesy Alison Jacques Gallery.