Jessica Morgan named as new director of the Tate

Jessica Morgan named as new director: Jessica Morgan Appointed as Tate's New Director Following Distinguished Career A Historic Return to Leadership

Jessica Morgan Appointed as Tate’s New Director Following Distinguished Career

A Historic Return to Leadership

Traveloasisspot.com – The Tate has announced that Jessica Morgan will assume the position of chief executive, bringing her back to the prestigious arts organization after an absence of over ten years. At 57 years old, Morgan is set to take over from Maria Balshaw, who made history in 2017 as the first woman to lead the institution.

Balshaw’s nine-year tenure saw significant developments for the Tate, including the celebrated Steve McQueen exhibition known as Year 3. This ambitious project captured collective portraits of 76,000 children aged seven and eight from throughout London, demonstrating the institution’s commitment to innovative programming.

Strategic Appointment by Government

Morgan’s selection was personally made by former Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, highlighting the importance placed on this leadership transition. In her new capacity, she will supervise four distinct galleries across the United Kingdom: Tate Modern and Tate Britain in London, alongside Tate Liverpool and Tate St Ives in other regions.

Her connection to the Tate runs deep. Morgan served as a curator within the organization from 2002 through 2010, before moving into a senior role at Tate Modern between 2010 and 2014. These formative years established the foundation for her subsequent international career.

International Experience and Current Role

Since 2015, Morgan has directed the New York-based Dia Art Foundation, where she has been widely recognized for transforming the organization into what critics describe as a more expansive and dynamic institution. Her leadership has expanded both the range of artists represented and the scope of exhibition programming.

“It is an immense privilege to be asked by the trustees to become the new director.”

“Tate is undoubtedly the world’s foremost institution for international modern and contemporary art and for British art, leading the field through its collection and exhibition programme.”

Beyond her American experience, Morgan has held senior positions at the Institute of Contemporary Art in Boston and the Museum of Contemporary Art in Chicago. She also serves on numerous international advisory boards for institutions across India, Thailand, Spain, and Germany, demonstrating her global reach within the arts community.

Looking Forward to 2027

Morgan will officially begin her tenure on January 1, 2027. In the interim period, Karin Hindsbo, who serves as deputy director of the Tate and leads Tate Modern, will step into the role temporarily.

The timing of her appointment coincides with an exciting moment for the organization. Tate Liverpool is preparing to reopen next year following a comprehensive transformation that has revitalized the regional gallery.

“My time as a curator at Tate deeply informed my work in the last 11 years steering Dia Art Foundation, with artists and our public always at the centre of what we do.”

“I look forward to this pivotal next stage at Tate, and most importantly, continuing and advancing the incredible work of Tate’s committed and talented team in the years to come.”

Leadership Endorsement

Roland Rudd, chairman of the Tate, expressed strong confidence in Morgan’s capabilities. He described her as an exceptional leader and a deeply respected figure across the sector, noting that her visionary revitalization of Dia Art Foundation, combined with her prior Tate experience and extensive international work with artists and institutions, makes her the ideal choice to guide the organization into a new era.

Morgan’s extensive curatorial work at the Tate also played a crucial role in expanding the institution’s international art collection, positioning it as a global leader in contemporary and modern art. Her return represents not just a personal career milestone, but a significant moment for British cultural heritage and international arts leadership.