Tate has announced the four artists who have been short-listed for the often controversial Turner Prize 2006. The artists are Tomma Abts, Phil Collins, Mark Titchner and Rebecca Warren. The Prize, established in 1984, is awarded to a British artist under fifty for an outstanding exhibition or other presentation of their work in the twelve months preceding 9 May 2006. 
This year’s members of the jury include:
Lynn Barber, writer, The Observer
Margot Heller, Director, South London Gallery
Matthew Higgs, Director and Chief Curator, White Columns, New York
Andrew Renton, writer and Director of Curating, Goldsmiths College
Nicholas Serota, Director, Tate and Chairman of the Jury
The Turner Prize has the ability to enrage and excite both artists and non-artists.  In 2002, Kim Howells, a junior minister for the Department of Culture, Media, and Sport wrote: If this is the best British artists can produce then British art is lost. It is cold mechanical, conceptual bullshit. (Ouch.)
However, this year looks promising, with a diverse group using a range of media (Wow!  Someone who uses clay).   You will see lots more media coverage in the upcoming months leading to the announcement of the prize winner on December 4.