BP sponsorship doesn't break ethics guidelines but raises important questions, says Museums Association
Oil giant BP's sponsorship of cultural attractions in the UK has not breached the Museum Association's (MA) code of ethics – although it has raised significant questions around sponsorship arrangements in general, said the body.
The MA's judgement refers to a report published by lobby group Art Not Oil, which alleged BP had a "corrupting influence" over the institutions it sponsors.
Published last May, the in-depth report drew upon hundreds of emails, documents and correspondence released through the Freedom of Information Act, revealing alleged interference in curatorial decision-making and museum security from BP at national institutions such as the British Museum, National Portrait Gallery, Tate and Science Museum.
After studying the report, the MA’s Ethics Committee ruled that the evidence outlined had not broken its code of ethics, with the body emphasising that its remit during the investigation was to consider the relationship between a museum and a sponsor rather than commenting on the global practices of BP.
In regards to allegations of BP having undue influence on curatorial decision-making, the committee said that it recommends against seeking direct approval on acquisitions or exhibition content, as it may “create pressures to self-censor or give the appearance of undue sponsor influence”. However, the committee also noted that the practice of updating a sponsor on the changing use of sponsorship funds “is appropriate”.
Also addressing allegations that cultural institutions had shared security information about anti-oil protests with BP, the Committee said it was “legitimate and desirable for a museum to seek to protect its visitors, its staff, its collections and its assets when a protest is planned within the museum,” adding that it was common practice for a museum to share security knowledge with others in the sector and with the police.
“The Art Not Oil report raised important questions about how museums should conduct their sponsorship arrangements, and the Ethics Committee has responded to these issues in full today,” said Sharon Heal, Museums Association director.
“The committee has recognised the rights of protestors and has asked museums to scrutinise all sponsorship arrangements to ensure that they uphold the code of ethics for museums, and has also recognised that there cannot be a one-size-fits all solution to the issue of oil sponsorship.”
In response to the Ethics Committee report, Art Not Oil expressed it gratitude for investigating the matter, but said it was disappointed the MA didn’t take a “stronger line”.
“BP is not just any sponsor - it is an extremely powerful international oil company with controversial operations, a multi-billion dollar turnover and a serious image problem,” said the Art Not Oil statement. “No interaction between BP and a cultural institution takes place in an ethical vacuum.
“We would question whether, in this case, ‘standard practice’ is best practice. We believe that the purpose of an ethical policy is to continually revise an organisation’s practices in relation to a shifting global context. And that context is shifting fast.”
BP announced at the end of last month that it was cutting its controversial sponsorship of UK cultural institutions by 25 per cent to £7.5m (US$9.9m, €8.9m), but that funding would continue for at least another five years.
To read the full Art Not Oil response, click here.
Art Not Oil BP National Portrait Gallery Tate British Museum Science Museum sponsorship museums galleriesBP cuts UK arts sponsorship by a quarter
New report questions influence of BP over major UK institutions
Protesters put pressure on BP's sponsorship of British Museum
BIG unveils Eve Music Hall as Croatia venue nears completion
Bob Rogers hands BRC to long-serving leadership team
Wellness care hospital opens in Vilnius with innovative spa and hospitality concept
Universal and Puy du Fou projects point to rise of Oxford–Cambridge corridor
A proposed Puy du Fou development near Bicester and Universal Destinations and Experiences’ planned resort in Bedford are emerging as part of a wider transformation of the Oxford–Cambridge Growth Corridor into a major centre for UK leisure and tourism investment.
For years, the corridor has been associated primarily with science, technology, housing and university-led economic growth. However, the clustering of large-scale visitor attraction projects along the
All-inclusive eco-wellness development Auko to open near Vietnam’s Son Doong caves
Shedd Aquarium upgrades its visitor experience with new Immersion Theater
Shedd Aquarium has opened the Immersion Theater developed in partnership with SimEx-Iwerks, as part of a wider strategy to enhance the guest experience and create additional revenue opportunities.
The attraction has transformed the aquarium’s Phelps Auditorium into a multi-sensory venue combining panoramic projection, environmental effects and interactive technology.
A new pre-show area allows visitors to engage with augmented reality marine animals before entering the
Mandarin Oriental announces standalone Mansions-branded residences for Abu Dhabi
MCR is planning a luxury hotel for London's BT Tower
Joy as a radical act: Yinka Ilori launches solo exhibition celebrating the rebellious power of spreading happiness
Work gets underway on Madrid's €800 million leisure complex
Work is underway in Madrid on one of Europe’s most significant multi-functional complexes, combining sport, entertainment, culture and education.
The €800 million initiative to regenerate the former Olympic Aquatic Centre in the north-east of the city, next to the Riyadh Air Metropolitano stadium, is being led by Barsento – a joint venture between Live Nation Entertainment, Oak View Group and Atlético de Madrid. The project will
Therme Manchester reveals 90:90 strategy – 90 per cent of the UK population within a 90-minute drive of a Therme
Four Seasons’ Naples Beach Club opens 2,800sq m Sanctuary spa inspired by indigenous Calusa people
Orient Express Corinthian to host Ocean Rebirth wellness retreat in collaboration with Guerlain
Famed London nightclub, Tramp, launches Tramp Health
First look: Miraval opens on the Red Sea in Saudi Arabia
Hainan Science Museum by Ma Yansong, opens in China
A new science museum has opened to the public in Haikou after attracting more than 350,000 visitors during a four-month soft opening period.
Designed by Ma Yansong and his practice MAD Architects, the Hainan Science Museum is located on the edge of Wuyuan River National Wetland Park and has already recorded peak attendance of more than 5,800 visitors in a single day.
Commissioned by
Zannier Île De Bendor launches with design by Hardel Le Bihan Architectes
Sæl Spa readies for launch in London: “a modern British sanctuary”
Immersive art bathhouse Submersive announces debut location in Austin
Construction begins on regenerative wellness destination The Shenandoah Nature Resort
Royal Caribbean reveals record-breaking cruise ship
V&A East opens in London
David Geffen galleries open at LACMA
New venue The Lands by Capella includes a longevity centre to complement sister hotel Capella Sydney
World of Frozen launches at Disneyland Paris
Pical Resort by Valamar reveals first Croatian spa under the ESPA brand
Mandarin Oriental creates end-to-end Egyptian journey with two new hotels and first-ever luxury river cruise
Designers Mendil + Meyer launch new division called Lām Concepts for strategic wellness projects
Wilderness Bisate in Rwanda reveals brand’s second Sanctuary spa
4a Architekten shares details of wellness extension at Salinarium Bad Dürkheim Thermal Spa
