But the cries of protesting students against the cuts could be heard over the award ceremony. Philipsz received the £25,000 prize at the Tate Britain in London for her recording of herself singing three versions of the 16th-century Scottish folk song, Lowlands Away.
It was the first time a sound installation had been shortlisted for the prize since it was set up in 1984 to promote modern British art.
The installation was exhibited in an otherwise empty gallery. More than 100 students from arts against cuts, who were holding a sit-in in the gallery in protest at planned changes to student fees, could not be seen by the crowd who gathered to hear Philipsz awarded the prize but their chants of 'No Cuts' were audible throughout the ceremony.
Philipsz gave them more direct support as she accepted the prize, saying: 'I support artists against the cuts.' Speaking after the ceremony, she said: 'I was a student protesting. I think they have every right to protest. I don't think they should cut the grants.
'My heart goes out to them.'
The prize is open only to British artists under the age of 50. Prior winners include Damien Hirst and Tracey Emin. Glasgow-born Philipsz will spend her £25,000 prize money taking her parents on holiday. More than 100 students also held a tuition fees protest at Tate Britain in London. Read more:
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