Are galleries and museums like the Tate right to shun donations from the controversial Sackler family?
Sian Flynn, a curator and museums and galleries consultant, says YES.
All publicly funded museums and galleries in Britain need to generate their own income to survive and thrive: this is a fact. They are also guardians of the nations collections, which they hold in trust for future generations, enabling people to learn and be inspired. Museums and galleries need to make sound ethical judgements in all areas of their work in order to maintain this trust.
Given that brands which donate or sponsor work are publicly associating themselves with the institution, sponsorship should be considered part of a gallerys ethics policy.
In this instance, the dilemma is a broader one, and its right for galleries to proactively champion ethical behaviour. The controversy of the a familys role in the US opioid crisis, which has resulted in thousands of deaths, cannot be ignored.
Although there is a desperate need for income, galleries need to say no to sponsors that put a public institutions credibility at risk, undermine trust, and create damaging distraction.
Alex Deane, a Conservative commentator, says NO.
The Sackler Trust does not own any pharmaceutical companies, or any other companies for that matter. It is a charitable foundation. Members of the Sackler family own or companies.
If that distinction doesnt matter to you, perhaps your morality test means that reputable institutions should refuse donations from the Stichting INGKA Foundation (the Ikea founder famously flirted with fascism), the Wellcome Trust (Henry Wellcomes business became GSK, Read More – Source
