The fossil fuel giant’s sponsorship of the British Museum has ended after almost three decades, marking the end of one of the most controversial of such deals between the artworld and the energy industry. BP had been a sponsor of the British Museum since 1996, but the museum has now confirmed that no further exhibitions or other activities will be sponsored by BP. The current partnership with the museum will run until the end of the year, including the ‘supporter benefits’ enjoyed by BP, which have not been detailed.
BP had previously sponsored the Tate, Royal Shakespeare Company, Scottish Ballet, National Portrait Gallery and the Royal Opera House, all of which have ended their funding partnership with the company in recent years. The Science Museum remains supported by BP. The British Museum had been the site of numerous environmental protests over the years, and campaigners celebrated the new development. Chris Garrard, Culture Unstained’s co-director, called it a ‘massive victory’.
