Arts sector pays tribute to Queen Elizabeth II

Organisations from across the arts and culture sector have paid tribute to the late Queen Elizabeth II.

The UK's longest-reigning monarch died peacefully at Balmoral Castle yesterday afternoon (Thursday) at the age of 96. During her 70 years on the throne she acted as patron to scores of organisations across the sector.

Sir Nicholas Serota, Chair of Arts Council England, said the Queen "embodied the values of duty, dedication, courage and determination". 

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"As an organisation established by Royal Charter in 1946, we want to express our immeasurable gratitude to Her Majesty the Queen for her support for the arts and culture sector over so many years, which included her patronage of many cultural organisations," he said.

Tate has issued a statement saying that, as a mark of respect, all Tate galleries will close for the day of the funeral.

"Tate mourns the loss of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II deeply. We offer our sincerest condolences to the Royal Family. 

"In this time of mourning, we are remembering Her Majesty's love and support of the art world. She was present at some of the most significant moments in Tate history, from her first Tate Britain visit in 1979, to Tate Modern's opening in 2000."

Culture Secretary Michelle Donelan said: "Words cannot express my sadness at the news that Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II has passed away.

"Like most people, I have never known a world without the Queen as our Head of State. She has been a figure of service, dedication and strength through my entire life. 

"Her lifelong devotion to serving our country and the Commonwealth is simply unprecedented. As we enter a period of national mourning, I will be reflecting on the Queen's extraordinary life and my thoughts and prayers are with the Royal Family, The King and the nation at this time."

The date of the Queen's funeral has yet to be confirmed.

Royal patronages

The Queen was a Patron of over 50 arts and culture organisations, including Help Musicians, London Symphony Orchestra, National Art Collections Fund, Southbank Centre and all the royal arts institutions.

Yesterday (September 8), the Royal Opera House closed for the evening and confirmed it will also close on the day of the state funeral.

"Her patronage of the Royal Opera House was a source of great pride to all our artists and staff, and her longstanding support for the arts was deeply appreciated," CEO Alex Beard said.

CEO of the Royal Academy of Dance Tim Arthur said it "has been privileged to have had Her Majesty as Patron for 69 years and we all feel the loss of a remarkable monarch who lived her life in service to all."

The Queen was also Patron of the Royal Shakespeare Company from 1961, when the Company was created. The organisation has said it will arrange a public screening of the funeral in the Royal Shakespeare Theatre. 

“We are deeply saddened at the news of the Queen’s death, and our thoughts are with her family, and particularly our President, HRH The Prince of Wales," Catherine Mallyon, RSC Executive Director, and Erica Whyman, RSC Acting Artistic Director, said.

“Her Majesty last visited us in Stratford-upon-Avon on 4 March 2011 to open formally the transformed Royal Shakespeare Theatre. This was a memorable day in the history of the RSC where she met and talked with members of the Company and those involved in the redevelopment and transformation of the theatre."

One of the Queen’s most high-profile cultural engagements was participation in the Olympic Games Opening Ceremony in London in July 2012.

She made a cameo appearance in a James Bond skit, which was watched by an estimated 900m people worldwide.

According to the ceremony’s Production Stage Manager Sam Hunter, The Queen agreed to take part on the basis her appearance was kept secret from the rest of the Royal Family, as she wanted it to be a surprise on the night.