Portrait prize deal with BP is axed over climate fears

ARTS bosses have cancelled a prize funding deal with an oil and gas giant over the ‘climate emergency’.

The National Galleries of Scotland said BP’s funding of its annual portrait awards is ‘at odds’ with tackling climate change.

It has become the latest arts organisation to distance itself from the oil giants after Shell were snubbed by the National Theatre and the Royal Shakespeare Company dropped BP.

The National Galleries of Scotland oversees the Scottish National Gallery, Gallery Of Modern Art and Portrait Gallery.

It announced its decision as the BP Portrait Awards – which carry a first prize of £35,000 and a total prize fund of £74,000 – were announced for 2019.

It said: ‘We recognise that we have a responsibility to do all we can to address the climate emergency.

‘For many people, the association of this competition with BP is seen as being at odds with that aim.

‘Therefore, after due consideration, the trustees of the National Galleries of Scotland have decided that this will be the last time that the galleries will host this exhibition in its present form.’

Trustees thanked BP for its support with the awards, which have been associated with the firm for 30 years.

A BP spokesman said: ‘The exhibitions outside London are a popular and successful part of the BP Portrait Award each year, and are part of our commitment to giving back to the communities where we live and work. The increasing polarisation of debate and attempts to exclude companies committed to being a part of the energy transition is exactly what is not needed.

‘This global challenge needs everyone – companies, governments and individuals – to work together to achieve a low-carbon future.’

However, campaigners have welcomed the decision by the National Galleries as ‘extremely significant’. A group which works for the removal of fossil fuel funding from the arts, BP or not BP?, said a ‘clear message’ was being sent.

Alys Mumford, from BP or not BP? Scotland, said: ‘This is a massive win for campaigners who have taken action against the BP Portrait Award being hosted in Scotland for several years.

‘It sends a clear message that it is no longer socially acceptable to have links with the fossil fuel industry because of their continued role in driving the climate crisis and human rights abuses across the world. We hope that the few remaining institutions that allow themselves to be used as greenwash for the industry join the National Galleries on the right side of history.’

Chris Garrard, of Culture Unstained, a research and campaign group which has been working with artists to challenge BP sponsorship, said: ‘This is nothing short of seismic.

‘Following in the footsteps of the Royal Shakespeare Company and National Theatre, the trustees have recognised that, in a time of climate emergency, an ethical red line must be drawn, and BP’s on the wrong side of it.’

‘It sends a clear message’