Some of the UK’s biggest museums are facing fresh calls to drop fossil fuel sponsorship after proposed new ethics guidelines were published by the Museums Association (MA).
The MA, which is the membership body for museums and galleries in the UK, published the draft of its new Code of Ethics this week, with its members set to vote on whether to ratify the changes ahead of the organisation’s annual general meeting in October.
The updated code mentions fossil fuel companies specifically for the first time, stating that museums should: “Transition away from sponsorship from organisations involved with environmental harm (including fossil fuels), human rights abuses, and other sponsorship that does not align with the values of the museum.”
It adds that they should: “Strive to secure funding from ethical sources that align with the values of the organisation and serve the best interests of communities.” It also calls on museums to “Consider climate and ecological impacts and social responsibility in all decision making and organisational activities.”
A spokesperson from Culture Unstained, which campaigns against fossil fuel sponsorship of culture, says: “This new Code of Ethics offers an opportunity to set a powerful new precedent, not just in the UK but internationally. If adopted, it would send a clear signal that sponsors fuelling and financing climate breakdown and human rights abuses cross an ethical red line—and are no longer welcome in our museums and galleries.”
In 2023 the British Museum announced a new 10-year sponsorship deal with BP. The fossil fuel company also sponsors the Science Museum, which also receives funding from Adani Green Energy, part of the Adani Group, which is one of the world’s largest private coal-producing companies.
A British Museum spokesperson told The Art Newspaper: “The museum operates on public and private funding, which ensures the magnificent collection stays on display to the public for centuries to come. We consider each donation or sponsorship on its own merits—in line with our policy—and as a public body have an obligation to ensure the long-term financial stability of the museum by securing funding from a number of sources.”
In July Frances Morris, the former director of Tate Modern and the chair of the Gallery Climate Coalition, joined others in calling for a ban on fossil fuel sponsorship in the arts. At the time she told The Art Newspaper: “While many museums, cultural institutions and artists are taking significant measures to combat the escalating climate and nature crisis, it is deeply frustrating that a few high-profile institutions demonstrate irresponsible leadership and continue to endorse greenwashing corporate partnership deals with major planetary polluters.”
She added: “Legislation to ban such deals is crucial. It would liberate our institutions from the conflicts of interest they currently face in fundraising, allow them to refocus their roles and responsibilities, and help them rebuild the public trust they are currently in danger of losing.”
The National Museum Directors' Council, the Science Museum, BP and Adani were contacted for comment.
