Belfast-based artist group the Array Collective, have been awarded the 2021 Turner prize - the first time that artists from Northern Ireland have won this prestigious prize.

Grace McMurray (pictured above - front row, far left) who provides Education Support in the School of Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering, is one of the group of eleven Belfast Based artists that make up the Collective.  They have been actively collaborating since 2016, organising projects which respond to issues including abortion rights, mental health, gentrification and social welfare. Judges praised them for their use of DIY sensibility to tackle issues facing Northern Ireland and for addressing social and political issues by translating their activism into artwork.  Their work entitled 'The Sibin - pub without permission', includes a mock Irish pub adorned in banners advocating reproductive rights and protesting against conversion therapy.

The award was presented by The Selecter singer Pauline Black at Coventry Cathedral on Wednesday 1st December during a live broadcast of BBC Radio 4's Front Row, presented by Samira Ahmed.

Congratulations to Grace and the entire Collective on a fantastic and unique achievement!