As Maria Balshaw bids farewell after nearly a decade at the helm of Tate, the institution now stands at a critical juncture. With the appointment of a new director imminent, the gallery grapples with financial woes, staff unrest, and a pressing need for cultural rejuvenation.
A Changing of the Guard
Roland Rudd, chair of the Tate board, exudes optimism during our conversation in the Adelphi Building, strategically located between Tate’s two London sites. “Things have never been better,” he asserts, presenting an impressive list of recent successes, including record-breaking visitor numbers and popular exhibitions.
At Tate Britain, exhibitions featuring Turner and Constable attracted 270,000 visitors, while Lee Miller’s photography show has been hailed as the most popular in the UK. Furthermore, Tate’s overall visitor count surged to 6.2 million, an increase of approximately 200,000 compared to the previous year, alongside a thriving membership base of 155,000—reportedly the largest of any cultural institution.
Yet, beneath this sunny facade lies a stark reality. Balshaw’s departure, just shy of her ten-year mark, raises eyebrows. Rudd attributes her exit to her own comments about limiting her directorship to a decade, but the timing begs deeper questions. Why leave when the institution appears to be thriving?
The Realities of Financial Strain
While Rudd’s enthusiasm paints a rosy picture, the financial landscape over the past few years tells a different story. The pandemic struck a severe blow, leaving a £56 million gap in Tate’s finances and prompting rounds of redundancies and restructuring. Staff morale has plummeted, with reports of dissatisfaction leading to strikes and protests over inadequate support and working conditions.
Balshaw, reflecting on her tenure, maintains that it was crucial to leave when the institution is on an upswing. “You go when things are good,” she asserts, emphasising her commitment to ensuring Tate’s future remains bright. Post-Tate, she relishes time spent with her dog and in her Kent garden, but her legacy is complex.
Arriving from the Whitworth in Manchester, Balshaw was a breath of fresh air—a self-made leader who defied the traditional mould of Tate’s leadership. Her outsider status, however, attracted criticism from some quarters. Nevertheless, she quickly established herself as a formidable force, bringing a unique perspective to a historically conservative institution.
Cultural and Institutional Challenges
Under Balshaw’s leadership, Tate endeavoured to navigate a series of cultural crises, including debates surrounding identity politics and institutional racism. High-profile incidents, such as the controversy surrounding the Rex Whistler mural and the handling of Chris Ofili’s Requiem mural, highlighted deep-seated tensions within the organisation. Balshaw’s approach was often met with resistance, leading to staff outcry and calls for accountability.
Rudd acknowledges that mistakes were made during Balshaw’s time, notably regarding the labelling of exhibitions that some deemed overly “woke.” This disconnect between the younger, progressive staff and the more conservative board exacerbates the challenges facing Tate. As the institution seeks to redefine its mission, the new director will need to bridge this gap deftly.
Amidst these tribulations, the search for Balshaw’s successor intensifies. Karin Hindsbo, currently serving as interim director, is viewed as a stabilising figure, while Jessica Morgan emerges as the frontrunner—a seasoned curator with invaluable experience at Tate and a robust fundraising background.
Navigating a Complicated Future
With the final interview for the new director set for June, the stakes have never been higher. The chosen candidate will shoulder the responsibility of guiding Tate through financial constraints and the evolving landscape of British arts. This comes at a time when fundamental changes to free access are looming, leaving many to wonder how Tate will adapt.
Balshaw has her own vision for her successor, calling for someone who is “dynamic, progressive, and future-facing.” They must possess the courage to advocate for Tate’s broader mission beyond the UK and navigate the institution through its current complexities.
Why it Matters
The transition of leadership at Tate represents not just a change in personnel, but a pivotal moment for the institution itself. As it faces financial challenges and an evolving cultural landscape, the new director will be tasked with redefining Tate’s identity and mission. This is not merely about the future of a gallery; it is about the broader implications for the arts in Britain and the role Tate will play in a society increasingly questioning its cultural narratives. The coming months will be crucial in determining whether Tate can emerge from this transitional period stronger and more inclusive or risk becoming a relic of its former self.
