News – Tate rapped on purchases

The Charity Commission has highlighted deficiencies in policies and practices at the Tate galleries and called for significant improvements, following an in-depth review which considered how seven works of art, including Chris Ofilis The Upper Room, were acquired. The Commission has concluded that Tate purchased art from serving trustees without the legal powers to do so. It has also found that, while the acquisitions were in the interests of the charity and should stand, all future purchases from serving trustees will require the Commissions authorisation. Andrew Hind, Chief Executive of the Charity Commission, said, [We] found serious shortcomings in the processes for managing conflicts of interest and inadequate recording of decision-making. In any charity we would be concerned that such basic matters were neglected, but in a charity of the size and stature of the Tate, we are very disappointed. Tate is working with the Charity Commission and the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) to ensure that its future policies and procedures are robust and transparent. The Commission, together with the DCMS and Arts Council England is now developing advice and guidance on good governance practice for charities in the arts sector.
The publication of the Charity Commissions findings coincided with Tates unveiling of a planned £165m expansion which will add 60% to the overall size of Tate Modern. Designed by architects Herzog & de Meuron who undertook the original conversion of Bankside Power Station, the extension will include a new south entrance which will open up a north-south route through the building, creating a new pedestrian walk from the Millennium Bridge through the Turbine Hall to Southwark. The development will provide more gallery space, a flexible 400-seat auditorium and an informal performance space, as well as a number of education spaces, cafés, restaurants, shops and offices. The designs have now been submitted for planning approval, with a decision expected early next year. It is hoped that the new building might be finished in time for the Olympic Games in 2012.