Tate's new Director Jessica Morgan steps into a role that's akin to England manager Gareth Southgate – high-stakes, massive pressure, and the weight of expectation. The 48-year-old American art curator has been approved by former Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer for this pivotal position, which oversees four galleries across the UK. It's a baptism by fire, given Tate is facing its toughest test since the pandemic. Visitor numbers are still reeling from the effects of lockdowns and Brexit, with a staggering 2 million fewer visitors to London galleries last year.
Despite some record-breaking exhibitions at Tate Modern – we're talking blockbuster shows for Frida Kahlo and Tracey Emin here – the institution is crying out for a rescue mission. The planned reopening of Tate Liverpool has been delayed until 2027 due to a lack of funding, while redundancies and staff strikes have become all too familiar at the galleries. It's clear that financial constraints are just one part of the puzzle – visitor numbers from Europe among young adults have plummeted by nearly half since Brexit.
There's also growing concern about Tate's relevance in the modern art world. Critics have taken aim at the Turner Prize, accusing it of being a prize for 'wilful obscurity'. Meanwhile, the National Gallery's bold plan to expand its collection beyond 1900 poses a direct challenge to Tate Modern's curatorial territory. The debate over free museum access across the UK is also raising eyebrows – will these institutions remain free and accessible in the years ahead?
Ms Morgan, with her impressive track record of promoting marginalised artists, has big boots to fill. Her predecessor Maria Balshaw was a true champion of diversity in art collections. But Morgan's task won't just be about supporting artists; it'll also be about putting on shows that thrill and engage the public. She'll need all her fundraising wizardry – described as 'American unflappability' when it comes to asking for cash from the wealthy elite.