LONDON (Reuters) - Britains Turner Prize has long thrived on art that seeks to shock and provoke, and this year it provided a new twist an understated show which critics called one of the best yet. For only the second time in its 27-year history, the award and its accompanying exhibition featuring works by the shortlisted artists is being held outside London. The host in 2011 is the BALTIC gallery in Gateshead, northern England, where celebrity photographer Mario Testino will present the award at a ceremony on Monday night. The move outside the capital has been welcomed, both for underlining that it is a national, not London honour and for the quality of the space dedicated to the Turner show. The Baltic in Gateshead has had its ups and downs, but the Turner looks happier there than it ever has in the tomb-like Tate Britain, said Charles Darwent, writing in the Independent on Sunday newspaper. Of course, the Tate is still behind the prize, but you wouldnt necessarily guess it. I cant recall a stronger show over the past 27 years, better chosen, better displayed, more poised or grown-up. The four nominees for the award, which comes with a 25,000 pound cheque and contemporary art celebrity status in Britain and beyond, are Karla Black, Martin Boyce, Hilary Lloyd and George Shaw.