Scottish Ballet has confirmed it is no longer in a deal with BP due to conflicts over future ‘green’ company plans.
It joins the National Portrait Gallery, which announced in a joint statement on Tuesday that it was ending its partnership with the oil giant.
The two major arts institutions are the latest in the arts and culture sector to distance themselves from global oil and gas companies.
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A spokesman for Scottish Ballet said the company had decided not to renew its sponsorship deal with BP on January 31 because the oil and gas company was no longer “in line with the company’s Green Action Plan – to be achieved by 2030. carbon neutral”.
They said the Scottish Ballet’s relationship with BP “came to an end naturally”, adding: “We sincerely appreciate BP’s long-term support, especially in helping the company visit Aberdeen.”
During Cop26 in Glasgow last November, climate activists pressured the dance group to cut ties with BP.
Activists have been pushing the arts and culture sector to cut ties to the oil and gas industry, criticizing companies that are sponsoring them to “greenwash” their reputations while failing to commit to a shift to clean energy.
Other leading arts institutions including the Royal Shakespeare Company and the Tate have terminated their sponsorship deals with BP following an environmental campaign by artists and staff.
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Katharine Hay is PA Scotland correspondent.
