As Maria Balshaw bids farewell after nearly a decade at the helm of Tate, the renowned art institution stands at a crucial crossroads, grappling with financial turbulence and a pressing need for cultural rejuvenation. The new director will face the daunting task of steering this colossal “beast” of an institution through a landscape marked by both opportunity and significant challenges.
A Shifting Landscape at Tate
In a recent conversation, Roland Rudd, chair of Tate, expressed an unwavering optimism about the gallery’s current state. “Things have never been better,” he declared from his office in the Adelphi Building, strategically located between Tate’s two main London sites. Rudd presented a litany of recent achievements that, he argues, demonstrate the institution’s resilience: from an impressive 270,000 visitors to the Turner and Constable exhibition to the record attendance for Lee Miller’s photography showcase. Even the controversial Tracey Emin exhibition saw a robust turnout of 125,000 paying patrons at Tate Modern.
Yet, beneath this rosy portrayal lies a more complicated reality. Visitor numbers may be rebounding after a pandemic-induced slump, with a reported 6.2 million visitors by the end of March—an increase of 200,000 from the previous year—but financial strains persist. The institution has faced multiple rounds of job cuts and restructures, leading to a significant decline in staff morale, as described by one insider who lamented conditions as “on the floor.”
Balshaw’s Tenure: A Mixed Legacy
Balshaw’s departure, just days after Rudd’s optimistic briefing, raises questions about the institution’s stability. She asserts that her decision to step down is rooted in a belief that one should exit when times are good rather than during a crisis. “You go when things are good,” she stated, reflecting on the importance of timing in leadership transitions. Balshaw’s tenure, marked by a distinct shift in Tate’s direction, has been a mix of triumphs and tribulations.
Coming from the Whitworth Gallery in Manchester, Balshaw was seen as a breath of fresh air—a professional leader rather than a traditional curator. Her outsider status, however, left some questioning her qualifications. “Those people who said she’s not a curator… that’s just not true,” she countered, insisting on her academic grounding and strong connections with curators.
Under her guidance, Tate saw notable exhibitions such as “Soul of a Nation” and “Year 3,” but the pandemic struck at a critical moment. Predictions of 8 million visitors in 2020 were shattered, plunging attendance to just 1 million and creating a £56 million financial deficit. This economic downturn prompted job losses and industrial action, with staff protesting conditions that forced them to rely on food banks.
Navigating Cultural Minefields
Balshaw’s era also coincided with a heightened focus on identity politics and historical scrutiny within the arts. Issues such as the controversial Rex Whistler mural and the handling of Chris Ofili’s Requiem mural highlighted the institution’s struggles with race and representation. Amidst these challenges, Balshaw found herself navigating a tense atmosphere where staff concerns were often at odds with institutional priorities.
Rudd, while acknowledging past mistakes, pointed to the 2021 Hogarth exhibition as an example of how not to communicate complex ideas, admitting that the presentation was perceived as “too preachy.” This divide between the predominantly young, progressive workforce and the more conservatively inclined board signals a fundamental contradiction at Tate, one that the new director must address.
The Search for a New Leader
As Tate embarks on the quest for Balshaw’s successor, speculation surrounds potential candidates. Karin Hindsbo, currently serving as interim director, has been praised for her stabilising presence and focus on internal strategy, while Jessica Morgan is viewed as a frontrunner, given her extensive experience and fundraising prowess.
Rudd will oversee the selection process, which culminates in June. The chosen leader will not only need to navigate the financial constraints but also cultivate a renewed sense of purpose within the institution—something many believe has been lacking.
Balshaw has her own vision for the ideal candidate: someone dynamic, courageous, and capable of maintaining Tate’s international outlook. “They need to understand that Tate’s mission is larger than just the UK,” she emphasised, highlighting the global context in which the new director will operate.
Why it Matters
The future of Tate hinges on the abilities of its next director to bridge the chasm between a young, progressive workforce and a board that leans towards conservatism. With financial pressures mounting and the arts sector facing unprecedented challenges, the new leader must not only restore stability but also redefine Tate’s cultural mission for a rapidly evolving world. The stakes are high; the new director will need to inspire confidence and innovation in an institution that has long been a beacon of contemporary art.