The Dirty Patrons: Environmental Responsibility And Museum Sponsorship

Abstract

Over the past two decades, societal pressure over and scrutiny of the ethics of museum funding have grown exponentially, particularly regarding sponsorship from the fossil-fuel industry. This spotlight, fuelled by environmental concerns and accusations of 'greenwashing,' has prompted significant changes in museum/oil company relationships. For instance, protests by climate activists and artists led to the end, in 2022, of the 30- year partnership between BP and the National Portrait Gallery in London. Whilst flagship museums such as the Louvre and the British Museum are still renewing oil-funded partnerships, the evolving landscape suggests a growing environmental responsibility in sponsorship models. In order to facilitate an understanding of the ongoing shift, this article explores the impact of environmental and art activism on museum/fossil-fuel connections. By using mainly primary materials, it emphasises everyday practice over theoretical analysis, encouraging a reflection on museums' links with their sponsors, and highlighting ideas of trustworthiness, accountability, financial independence, transparency, ethical decision-making, and social and environmental responsibility.

Keywords: Museum sponsorship, ethical funding models, institutional critique, museum activism, environmental responsibility.