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Margate's Turner Contemporary has revealed it will benefit from a £1.7 million cash boost — as it's announced Vogue's editor will present this year's Turner Prize.
The money will help create an enhanced experience for the thousands of people who visit the seafront gallery, which this year will host the prize for the first time and welcome Edward Enninful OBE to present it.
With the support of £495,000 from the Arts Council and investment of £1.28 million from Kent County Council, there will be a redesign of the shop area and new furniture installed.
The work will also support improved environmental sustainability and enhancements to the digital infrastructure.
The programme of works, undertaken in partnership with Kent County Council, will enable Turner Contemporary to build on its success to date.
Clive Stevens, chairman of Turner Contemporary, said: "We are thrilled to have been awarded the funding to deliver a Small Scale Capital project in partnership with Kent County Council and Arts Council England.
"The capital programme will enhance the visitor experience for the thousands of individuals that visit Turner Contemporary each year.
"As we approach our 10th anniversary in 2021, this project will also support our ongoing sustainability as we work to ensure that Turner Contemporary continues to thrive and drive the regeneration of Margate and east Kent."
This investment follows almost 10 successful years of operation, in which Turner Contemporary has attracted 3.4 million visits, established an international reputation for artistic and learning excellence and been a catalyst for the social and economic regeneration of Margate and east Kent.
Michael Hill, cabinet member for community and regulatory services, said: “Kent County Council continues to support Turner Contemporary and its success to date.
"We recognise its growth aspirations, and the vast benefits that culture and the creative industries bring to the local economy.
"We are delighted with the news of funding from Arts Council England and look forward to working in partnership with both Turner Contemporary and Arts Council England to realise the capital programme”
Project details are being finalised and it is envisaged that the works will be carried out over a phased period in 2020-21.
The gallery is hosting the most prestigious prize for contemporary arts in the world, Turner Prize, with an exhibition of work by shortlisted artists unveiled at the site in September.
It has today been revealed the winner of this year's award will be announced by the editor-in-chief of British Vogue, Edward Enninful OBE, in Margate on Tuesday, December 3.
One of the best known prizes for the visual arts in the world, the Turner Prize, named after JMW Turner (1775-1851), aims to promote public interest in contemporary British art. It is awarded to a British artist for an outstanding exhibition or other presentation of their work. The Turner Prize award is £40,000 with £25,000 going to the winner and £5,000 each for the other shortlisted artists.
