Turner Prize criticised for anti-gay rights sponsor

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Murillo/Hamdan/Cammock/Shani

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The artists shortlisted tackle issues such as oppression and marginalised

The Turner Prize has been criticised over its sponsorship from a businessman who was in favour of a ban on teaching LGBT issues in Scottish schools.

Sir Brian Souter, whose failed campaign to keep Section 28, a law banning teachers discussing gay rights in schools, is chairman of Stagecoach.

It is sponsoring the exhibition of the four shortlisted artists at the Turner Contemporary in Margate.

Stagecoach said its culture “values transparency, diversity, and respect”.

The shortlist of artists was announced on Wednesday and their work tackles issues like oppression and marginalised communities.

Gay rights campaigner Peter Tatchell, told the Telegraph, he was “surprised and disappointed”.

“Surely there must be other less tainted potential sponsors?,” he added. “The arts is an LGBT-friendly profession and should not be colluding with companies whose leaders support homophobic discrimination.”

Speaking at a press conference, Tate Britain director Alex Farquharson said picking a sponsor “is very much a matter for the hosting venue”.

Victoria Pomery, the director of Turner Contemporary, added “We have to take on board a whole range of issues when deciding our sponsorship.

“In this instance we decided that the role that the company plays in the area is very important.”

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Press handout

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Clockwise from top left: Lawrence Abu Hamdan, Helen Cammock, Oscar Murillo and Tai Shani

In a statement, Stagecoach said it “does not tolerate discrimination or harassment of any kind based on disability, gender, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, religion, belief, age, nationality, race or ethnic origin”.

It added: “We expect our employees to commit to doing the right thing, to respect other individuals at all times and treat them with dignity, and thoughtfulness, and we are committed to providing equal opportunities for all.”

Last year’s Turner Prize was won by artist Charlotte Prodger for her film on her experience of coming out as gay in rural Scotland.

This year’s nominees are Lawrence Abu Hamdan, Helen Cammock, Oscar Murillo and Tai Shani.

The winner of the £40,000 prize will be announced on 3 December.

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