BP has ended its Tate sponsorship after 26 years

Oil giant BP will no longer be sponsoring the Tate as of next year, ending its 26-year-long partnership. But it hasn't been smooth sailing. Last summer, protesters covered the floor of the Tate Modern's Turbine Hall in anti-climate change messages in protest of the partnership. The oil firm said the decision was down to the 'extremely challenging business environment', rather than the ongoing protests.

The Tate has released a statement describing the partnership as an 'outstanding example of patronage and collaboration over nearly 30 years'. It added: 'It represents one of the most significant long-term corporate investments in UK arts and culture. Tate wishes to express its gratitude to BP for its longstanding commitment and ground-breaking support of the Collection displays and other programmes.' The next Tate sponsor is yet to be announced. 

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