Maria Balshaw, the Director of Tate, encompassing Tate Modern, Tate Britain, and regional sites, has faced significant criticism since her appointment eight years ago. She rejects the term "woke" as a derogatory label, defending the institution's efforts to contextualize historical artworks and promote diversity. Balshaw emphasizes that encountering differing views is intrinsic to Tate's mission, highlighting her commitment to challenging, thought-provoking art.
Under her leadership, Tate has elevated the visibility of female artists and recently launched a £150 million endowment campaign to ensure long-term funding. Despite these initiatives, attendance at Tate Modern in 2024 remained below pre-pandemic levels, though certain programs, like the rehang at Tate Britain, attracted more visitors. Balshaw has also navigated challenging events, including a serious incident in 2019 and personal losses during the pandemic. She remains unapologetic about the museum’s evolving curatorial approaches and selection of sponsors through an ethics committee that considers both public and artist perspectives.
Despite facing criticism, Balshaw maintains that robust public engagement and a degree of dissent are signs of Tate fulfilling its mission as a public arts institution. She believes that if the institution weren't criticised, it wouldn't be doing its job.
Balshaw's tenure has been marked by a commitment to challenging the status quo and promoting inclusivity within the art world. Her leadership continues to shape Tate's direction, ensuring it remains a dynamic and thought-provoking institution.
As Tate continues to evolve under Balshaw's guidance, it remains a focal point for contemporary art and cultural discourse, reflecting the complexities and challenges of the modern world.
