The British Museum has announced the appointment of Nicholas Cullinan as its new director, in an effort to move past a tumultuous period. Cullinan, who is currently the director of the National Portrait Gallery in London, will take over the role in early 2022.
The British Museum, which houses a vast collection of artifacts and artworks from around the world, has faced criticism in recent years for its colonial past and lack of diversity in its leadership. Cullinan’s appointment is seen as a step towards addressing these issues and bringing a fresh perspective to the institution.
Cullinan, a British-American art historian, has a strong background in curating and managing major exhibitions. He has previously worked at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York and the Tate Modern in London. His experience and expertise in contemporary art and photography are expected to bring a new dimension to the British Museum’s collections.
In a statement, Cullinan expressed his excitement and honor at being chosen as the new director of the British Museum. He acknowledged the challenges facing the institution and emphasized the importance of engaging with diverse audiences and communities. He also highlighted the need to address the museum’s colonial legacy and work towards a more inclusive and representative future.
Cullinan’s appointment comes at a crucial time for the British Museum, as it faces financial difficulties due to the COVID-19 pandemic and ongoing debates about the restitution of looted artifacts. The museum has also been under pressure to diversify its collections and leadership, with calls for the return of objects to their countries of origin and the inclusion of more voices and perspectives in its exhibitions and programming.
The outgoing director, Hartwig Fischer, who has been in the role since 2016, praised Cullinan’s appointment, stating that he is “ideally suited to lead the museum into its next chapter.” Fischer also acknowledged the challenges facing the institution and expressed confidence in Cullinan’s ability to navigate them.
Cullinan’s appointment has been welcomed by many in the art world, with some calling it a “bold and progressive move” for the British Museum. Others have expressed hope that Cullinan’s leadership will bring about positive changes and a more inclusive approach to the museum’s operations.
As the first non-white director of the British Museum, Cullinan’s appointment is a significant step towards addressing the institution’s diversity issues. It is also a reflection of the changing landscape of the art world, where there is a growing demand for more diverse and inclusive representation.
In his new role, Cullinan will have the opportunity to shape the future of one of the world’s most renowned museums. With his experience, vision, and commitment to diversity and inclusivity, he is expected to lead the British Museum towards a more progressive and relevant future.
