The National Portrait Gallery has announced the end of its partnership with BP, becoming the latest institution in the arts and culture world to distance itself from the oil giant.
The Royal Shakespeare Company and Tate have terminated their sponsorship deals with BP after artists and staff launched an environmental campaign.
Since BP took over from the tobacco company John Player & Sons in 1989, BP has been the main sponsor of the National Portrait Gallery’s Portrait of the Year Awards.
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The awards were not held this year or last, when the gallery’s central London building closed for redevelopment.
In a joint statement, the gallery and BP confirmed they would not renew their current partnership when the contract ends in December.
Nicholas Cullinan, director of the National Portrait Gallery, said: “The gallery is grateful for BP’s long-standing support of the BP Portrait Awards.
“For over 30 years, the award’s funding has nurtured creativity, encouraged portraiture and provided a platform for artists from around the world, as well as inspiration and enjoyment for audiences across the UK.
“The gallery is committed to working with artists and continuing to promote portraiture, and we look forward to developing future portraiture awards as we plan to reopen in 2023.”
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Louise Kingham, BP’s senior vice-president, said: “We are very proud of the role we have played in supporting British art and culture for over 30 years, but today BP is just beginning with the National Portrait Gallery.
“As we transition to net-zero emissions by 2050 and help the world get there, we must find new ways to best use our talent, experience and resources.”
Campaign group Culture Unstained described the announcement as a “clear vote of no confidence in BP’s business”.
Co-director Jess Worth added: “The company has spent 30 years portraying itself as a responsible philanthropist, but it is rapidly running out of steam to clean up its toxic image.”
The Royal Shakespeare Company and the National Gallery of Scotland have cut ties with BP, while the National Theatre has cut ties with Shell.
The debate over oil company sponsorship of the arts has intensified in recent years, with actor Sir Mark Rylance resigning from the Royal Shakespeare Company in June 2019 in protest of BP’s sponsorship.
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Alex Green is PA Senior Entertainment Reporter.
