arts
Tate at a turning point: new director must confront unwieldy ‘beast’ of an art institution
As Maria Balshaw steps down after nine years, her successor at the gallery needs to forge a fresh financial and cultural path
TL;DR
- Roland Rudd, chair of Tate, expresses optimism about the institution's current state, citing high visitor numbers and membership.
- Maria Balshaw is stepping down as director after nine years, a move Rudd frames as planned, though the timing coincides with financial and morale challenges.
- The pandemic significantly impacted Tate's finances, leading to job cuts and industrial action.
- Balshaw's tenure saw several controversies, including issues surrounding the Rex Whistler mural and the Requiem mural.
- Tate faces internal contradictions between its progressive workforce and a more socially conservative board and funders.
- The search for a new director is ongoing, with Karin Hindsbo and Jessica Morgan identified as leading candidates.