VETERAN actor and director Dennis Hopper has been revealed as the presenter of next week’s Turner Prize ceremony at Tate Liverpool.
Hopper, known for his roles in such classic films as Apocalypse Now, Blue Velvet and Easy Rider, is also an accomplished artist and art collector.
The choice of Hopper follows in the footsteps of such internationally-renowned past presenters of the prize as Madonna and Yoko Ono.
Monday’s event will be the first time the prestigious prize has been held outside London in its 23-year history.
Artists Zarina Bhimji, Nathan Coley, Mike Nelson and Mark Wallinger comprise the shortlist, and their work is currently on exhibition at the Tate.
“I am very honoured and excited to be giving this award, as I believe the Turner Prize is the most prestigious award in the art world,” Hopper said.
Andrea Nixon, executive director of Tate Liverpool, said: “We are absolutely delighted Dennis Hopper has agreed to present this year’s Turner Prize.
“This is a wonderful way to launch Tate Liverpool’s programme for 2008.”
In addition to acting and directing, Hopper is an renowned photographer and painter, with retrospective exhibitions in 2001 in Amsterdam and Vienna.
The winner of the Turner Prize will be announced live on Channel 4 News on Monday.
