Today DeSmog published a joint investigation with Culture Unstained to reveal that the co-ordinated effort by leading arts institutions to undermine ethical sponsorship campaigns has been led by an oil PR firm, The Brunswick Group, commissioned by Sadler's Wells.
The British Museum’s controversial partnership with the tobacco manufacturer Japan Tobacco International (JTI) has been quietly brought to an end following an apparent intervention from the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC). The shift adds to the mounting pressure on the museum’s controversial 10-year sponsorship deal with the oil and gas producer BP - announced in December 2023 - with campaigners drawing parallels between how both JTI and BP use cultural sponsorship in order to deflect attention from the devastating health impacts of their toxic tobacco products and polluting fossil fuels.
Introducing ‘Tickets are Now On Sale’, a 6-minute film of a satirical play by acclaimed playwright Caryl Churchill, featuring BAFTA-winning actor Siobhán McSweeney and BAFTA-nominated actor Samuel West. Film of the play premiered on LED van outside Old Vic theatre as guests arrived for the press night of Mary Page Marlowe. Old Vic has previously … Continue reading Siobhán McSweeney & Samuel West use acting talents to press for ethical sponsorship of the arts
In a significant shift for the culture sector, museums and galleries in the UK this evening voted to adopt ambitious new ethics rules that call for the sector to ‘transition away’ from sponsorship deals with polluting fossil fuel companies, and from organisations involved in environmental harm and human rights abuses. The Museums Association’s new ‘Code … Continue reading Museums ratify new ethics code requiring ‘transition away’ from fossil fuel and rights abusing sponsors
In a significant shift for the culture sector, museums and galleries could soon be urged to ‘transition away’ from sponsorship deals with fossil fuel companies, as well as organisations involved in environmental harm and human rights abuses, under proposed new ethics guidelines.
This week, the UK parliament debated a ban on fossil fuel advertising and sponsorship for the first time in what is, hopefully, the first step towards legislation that would limit the industry’s ability to promote its polluting products and spread disinformation. As these voices and perspectives make clear, advertising and sponsorship is also a coordinated strategy to deflect from the polluting and destructive impacts the fossil fuel industry has on communities around the world. Bringing in a ban would stop the likes of BP, Shell and Adani from cynically trying to hide the reality of their business.
Unions and groups representing scientists, teachers, parents and workers in the arts have called for those working in education and culture sectors to join a boycott of the Science Museum to demand an end to the Museum’s ongoing sponsorship arrangements with fossil fuel producers BP and Adani.
Today, internal documents from BP have been made public which uncover the oil company’s ‘cynical strategy’ for sponsoring art and culture. The internal memos show how far from seeking to generously support the culture sector, BP had sought to use sponsorship of museums and galleries as a way to both reach ‘high-level decision-makers’ and secure … Continue reading Revealed: BP memos on cynical sponsorship strategy for art, culture and sport
With confirmation from BP today that it will be dropping its target to cut oil and gas production, we believe it's time for cultural organisations to act... "Before this week, BP was already falling well short of internationally agreed climate targets due, in large part, to its significant investments in new oil and gas drilling. Now, BP has … Continue reading Museums must drop BP after firm ditches pledge to cut fossil fuel production and ramps up polluting investments
New disclosures obtained by Culture Unstained reveal a failure of leadership and lack of meaningful response at the Science Museum regarding their indicted sponsor Adani.
Culture Unstained 