The BP has been the sponsor, since 1989, of the Portrait Prize, a prestigious annual award for the famous Museum of London, which hosts portraits of historical figures and is currently closed for renovation, scheduled to reopen in 2023.
“The gallery is deeply grateful to BP for their support over the years for the Portrait Prize,” museum director Nicholas Cullinan said in a statement.
He added: “The funding of their awards has fostered creativity, encouraged portraiture for 30 years, and provided a platform for artists around the world, while inspiring and delighting audiences across the UK.”
In the same statement, BP said it was “very proud” of supporting British art and culture for “over 30 years”.
The oil giant aims to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050 and “needs to find new ways to make the most of talent, experience and resources,” said company leader Louise Kingham.
The debate about the sponsorship of cultural institutions by the oil majors has gained momentum in recent years in the UK, in the face of the climate emergency.
The Royal Shakespeare Company and the National Galleries of Scotland have also cut ties with BP, and the National Theater has done the same with Shell, following pressure from artists and environmental activists.
The British Museum has come under fire for BP’s sponsorship of a newly opened large exhibition dedicated to the prehistoric site of Stonehenge.
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