THE National Galleries of Scotland has severed funding ties with BP over concerns about the “climate emergency”.
The body has become the latest arts organisation to distance itself from oil giants after the Royal Shakespeare Company dropped the firm, and Shell was snubbed by the National Theatre.
Trustees of the National Galleries of Scotland – which oversees the Scottish National Gallery, Gallery Of Modern Art and Portrait Gallery – decided having links to the firm was “at odds” with its commitment to tackle climate change.
As the annual BP Portrait Award was announced for 2019, the organisation revealed its decision to drop backing from the oil giant for the annual prize.
A statement from the National Galleries of Scotland 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 30-year support for the Portrait Awards, which carry a first prize of £35,000 and a total prize fund of £74,000.
A spokesperson for BP said: “The exhibitions outside of 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.”
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