(Image: Robin Bernstein)
The four artists shortlisted for the 2026 Turner Prize have unveiled their work at a major exhibition in the North East.
Simeon Barclay, Kira Freije, Marguerite Humeau and Tanoa Sasraku have been shortlisted for their contributions to British art, with their work on display at the Middlesbrough Institute of Modern Art (MIMA).
The exhibition runs from September 26 until March 29, 2027.
Marguerite Humeau in “Orisons” (Image: Black Cube Art Museum)
Alex Farquharson, director of Tate Britain and chair of the Turner Prize jury, said: "Tate Britain frequently works with museums and galleries across the UK to bring the Turner Prize to the widest possible audience, and I am delighted that this year’s presentation is hosted by MIMA in Middlesbrough."
The Turner Prize is one of the world’s best-known visual arts awards and was established in 1984.
It is awarded each year to a British artist for an outstanding exhibition or presentation of their work.
Tanoa Sasraku (Image: Supplied)
Mr Farquharson said: "The Turner Prize has always been a catalyst for conversation and debate, and MIMA’s deep engagement with its local community makes it a wonderful setting for this year’s exhibition.
"Art has a unique power to bring people together, open new perspectives and spark conversations that extend far beyond the gallery.
Marguerite Humeau. Turner Prize 2026 (Image: David Levene)
"I hope audiences in Middlesbrough and visitors from across the UK will embrace the work of these four exceptional artists, whose presentations reflect the energy and diversity of contemporary British art today."
The winner will be announced on December 10, 2026, and receive £25,000; the other shortlisted artists will each receive £10,000.
Simeon Barclay is nominated for The Ruin, a performance and multi-sensory installation exploring post-war British infrastructure and personal history.
Simeon Barclay. Turner Prize 2026 (Image: David Levene)
Kira Freije is nominated for her solo exhibition Unspeak the Chorus at The Hepworth Wakefield, featuring sculptural figures made from steel, aluminium and salvaged materials.
Marguerite Humeau combines sculpture, sound and light to explore life, death and transformation, working with experts across disciplines.
Tanoa Sasraku explores extraction and power through materials and objects linking global histories and geographies.
Dr Claire Louise Staunton, senior curator and vice-chancellor’s research fellow, and Helen Welford, head of programmes, curated the Turner Prize exhibition at MIMA.
The jury includes Sarah Allen, Joe Hill, Sook-Kyung Lee and Alona Pardo.
Dr Laura Sillars, director of MIMA and dean of culture and creativity at Teesside University, said: "Artists have a unique capacity to invite us to look again at the world around us and to ask: what if?
"What if things were understood differently or imagined anew?
"Bringing Turner Prize 2026 to MIMA creates a meeting between four exceptional artistic practices and the histories, experiences and imaginations of Middlesbrough, Teesside, and the North East."
Professor Mark Simpson, vice-chancellor of Teesside University, said the Turner Prize coming to Middlesbrough showed culture and creativity’s importance to local communities.
Chris Cooke, mayor of Middlesbrough, said the Turner Prize gave residents the chance to see cutting-edge art in their hometown.
"I hope it inspires our young people to dream about what's possible.
"Middlesbrough's creative and cultural scene is thriving as we bid to become UK City of Culture 2029.
"Hosting the Turner Prize gives us a chance to show off what we have to offer to people across the country."
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Ben Houchen, Tees Valley mayor, said bringing the Turner Prize to Middlesbrough was a huge moment for the region and put it in the national spotlight.
"We said from the start this would bring visitors, investment and opportunity – and now people from across the country will come to Middlesbrough for one of the world’s biggest arts events."
MIMA houses more than 2,350 works in the Middlesbrough Collection and is part of Teesside University.
It works with communities and partners across the Tees Valley, the UK and internationally.