New ethics code pleads with British museums to end fossil fuel sponsorship
This week, the Museums Association (MA) proposed a new code of ethics, a membership in the UK museums and galleries. Members of the association will begin voting for changes starting on September 15 until the organization’s annual meeting on October 7.
Perhaps most notably, this marks the first mention of fossil fuel companies. The guide recommends that museums “from organizations involving environmental hazards (including fossil fuels), violations of human rights and other organizations that do not match the value of the museum”, from organizations involving environmental hazards (including fossil fuels), including fossil fuels and other sponsorships. ”
Instead, they should “work to get funding from ethical resources that align with organizational values and in the best interests of the community.” In addition, it implores the museum to “consider climate and ecological impacts and social responsibility in all decisions”.
The last ethics code of MA was approved in 2015, and the latest iteration mimics national government legislation.
Earlier this year, the UK passed a law that prohibits licensing of new oil and gas projects that have not been approved to further promote its new “Clean Energy Future” plan. British protest groups saw the new climate policy as a victory, stopped oil, and soon afterwards, demonstrations directly targeted museums and public places.
A non-weathered cultural representative who opposes the monetary relationship between art organizations and fossil fuel companies told Art professionals: “This new code of ethics provides an opportunity to establish a strong new precedent, not only in the UK but internationally.
“If adopted, it will send a clear signal that raising funds for climate breakdowns and abuse of human rights, crossing the moral red line, is no longer welcomed by our museums and galleries.”
Despite years of climate-related protests and ongoing grassroots movements, an IPSOS poll shows that 77% of the UK public are concerned about climate change.
Although many British institutions such as Tate, National Portrait Gallery and Royal Shakespeare Company have ended their relationships with fossil fuel companies such as BP and Equinor, others still rely on this sponsorship due to public pressure.
For example, the Science Museum and the British Museum in London are still receiving funding from fossil fuel companies in early 2025. The Science Museum has received funding from BP and Adani Green Energy, a subsidiary of the Adani Group, one of the largest private coal companies in the world; the British Museum has reached a 10-year sponsorship agreement with BP, which began in 2023.
“The museum operates with the aid of public and private funds, ensuring a grand collection of public displays for centuries to come. We believe that, in accordance with our policy, we believe that every donation or sponsorship is in accordance with our policy – as a public institution and an obligation to ensure the long-term financial stability of the museum by ensuring the long-term financial stability of the museum, to ensure the source of funding from many sources,” he said. Art newspaper.
It is unclear whether the couple will succumb to further pressure or remain firm in the current sponsorship.
