The Long Note explores the involvement of women in Northern Ireland’s civil rights protests
Helen Cammock’s The Long Note uses archive footage and interviews some of women involved in the movement.
The four nominees shared the award after requesting the judges not choose any of them as a single winner.
The quartet of Helen, Lawrence Abu Hamdan, Tai Shani and Oscar Murillo will share the £40,000 prize money.
The four said they wanted to make a “collective statement” at a time when there is “already so much that divides and isolates people and communities”.
The judges agreed and revealed the move at Tuesday’s ceremony in Margate, Kent.
The Turner Prize is Britain’s most high-profile contemporary art award.
Helen Cammock’s film was commissioned by, and put on display, at the Void Gallery in Derry to coincide with the 50th anniversary of the first civil rights march in the city.
The Turner award winner explained how she wanted to highlight the women’s emotional intelligence, strength and courage.
Speaking on BBC Radio Foyle, she described it as a “struggle that often goes overlooked” and “a piece of history that some people in England may be unaware of”.
The art world had gathered at a Margate amusement park to find out who had won, but even for an award once known for its shock value, the four-way split was unexpected.
Turner Prize 2019 goes to… a collective bringing together the four nominated artists: Abu Hamdan/Cammock/Murillo/Shani. The prize was presented by Edward Enninful, Editor-in-Chief of British Vogue, at a ceremony broadcast live on the BBC from Dreamland in Margate on Tuesday evening
“We didn’t know how people would react so that was also quite anxiety provoking, but actually it was an incredible moment and one I will never forget.”
She said her film places the voices of Derry women at the centre of both the civil rights movement and the Troubles.
Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council Michaela Boyle offered her congratulations to Helen and everyone at the Void Gallery for an historic win.
“What an incredible moment for our district to be involved in last night. Helen’s piece is something that will strike a chord with everyone as it reflects on the civil rights movement and, in particular, the role of women at that time.
“It is such a proud moment for the Void Gallery. This is the first time in this prestigious competition’s 35-year history that the award has been shared, and it’s a testament to Helen and her fellow artists that they have put their own best interests aside to come together with a powerful message of unity and solidarity.
“I want to offer my congratulations to Helen and to everyone at the Void Gallery.
“This is a moment that will go down in history, and I’m delighted that Derry has played a role in that,” added the Mayor.
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