WINNER: The Turner Prize at BALTIC
THE excitement and curiosity which greeted the announcement that The Turner Prize 2011 was to be held in the North East escalated when the exhibition opened at BALTIC in November.
More than 140,000 people took in the work of the four shortlisted artists, George Shaw, Martin Boyce, Karla Black and Hilary Lloyd.
Meanwhile the announcement of Scottish artist Boyce as the winner was broadcast live on Channel 4 and even included a streaker.
This was the first time the prestigious competition had ventured out of the London to a non-Tate venue (its 2007 outing to Liverpool ahead of the city's Capital of was at Tate Liverpool)..
Ann Cooper, head of communications at BALTIC says: "BALTIC is delighted to be nominated for the Turner Prize 2011 across three Culture Award categories. The Turner Prize was a very special time for BALTIC attracting just under 150,000 visitors and gaining a vast amount of media coverage across the country and beyond. We are thrilled that it has been recognised in this way, not only for ourselves but also for our partners Tate and Nokia."
FINALIST: International Print Biennale
TWO years after its first appearance, the International Print Biennale (formerly known as the Northern Print Biennale) made a triumphant return to Tyneside, once again attracting submissions for exhibition and competition from around the world.
From a field of more than 600, the work of 44 artists was selected by a panel of judges to be shown at the Laing Art Gallery, the Hatton Gallery and Northern Print in Newcastle's Ouseburn. There were also many other events and exhibitions linked to the Biennale around the region. Prizes were given to those who had particularly impressed the judges.
Anna Wilkinson, director, Northern Print, says: "We're thrilled to be shortlisted – the Journal Culture Awards are a great opportunity to reflect on all the wonderful opportunities for arts and culture we have on our doorstep. To feel part of it all is great.
"We've got lots of good memories of last year, we worked with some really wonderful people, new friendships were formed and some wonderful prints made. The Stupendous Steamroller print was an unforgettable experience for everyone involved.
FINALIST: Shimmer
A SPECTACULAR show of light illuminated a Tyneside landmark as fireworks filled the skies over Whitley Bay.
This was Shimmer, an event which lit up the town's iconic Spanish City dome with an array of colourful patterns over two festive nights.
Crowds of people turned out to see the show, which happily coincided with a fireworks display on one of the evenings. The event was organised by North Tyneside Council, and featured work by Newcastle-based studio the NOVAK Collective.
Mike Campbell, arts development service manager, North Tyneside Council, says: "We're absolutely thrilled! We really tried to do something new and different and its very gratifying when all our hard work is acknowledged in this way. We had a great response from the public. We are now starting to plan for Shimmer 2012!"
