Maria Balshaw, director of Tate since 2017, will step down from her role in spring 2026, the institution announced today. This concludes her nine-year tenure leading one of the UK’s most prominent art organisations.

Balshaw joined Tate after a successful period directing Manchester Art Gallery and the Whitworth Art Gallery. She succeeded Nicholas Serota, who had led Tate for nearly three decades. During her leadership, Balshaw broadened Tate’s collection and exhibition programme while fostering a more diverse audience.

Her final contribution will be co-curating the largest-ever survey of Tracey Emin’s work, opening at Tate Modern in early 2026.

Leadership and Achievements at Tate

Balshaw’s years at Tate saw the museum present a wide range of major exhibitions. These included blockbuster shows such as The EY Exhibition: Van Gogh and Britain and high-profile solo exhibitions like Yoko Ono and Sargent and Fashion.

Under her direction, Tate also worked to diversify its collection and represent a broader range of artists. Membership grew significantly, reaching what the institution described as 150,000 members, making it one of the largest arts membership schemes in the world.

Balshaw’s leadership also oversaw international and national programming that aimed to engage a wider public. These efforts were part of her ongoing goal to make Tate’s exhibitions and collections more inclusive.

Context of Departure and Final Projects

Balshaw stated that she felt it was the right time to pass the responsibility to a new director who will guide Tate into its next decade. She emphasised her satisfaction in working with talented colleagues and artists during her tenure.

Her last major project will be the Tracey Emin retrospective, titled A Second Life, set to open at Tate Modern in February 2026 and run through the summer. This exhibition will serve as the capstone of her leadership and highlight one of Britain’s most influential contemporary artists.

The Tate board praised Balshaw as a trailblazer whose work helped shape the institution’s identity and reach. Chair Roland Rudd emphasised her core belief that art should be accessible to a wide audience and that more artists should be visible in major cultural narratives.

Transition and Future Plans

The process to appoint Balshaw’s successor is expected to begin soon, with Tate’s trustees overseeing the search alongside relevant cultural authorities. The next director will be tasked with continuing Tate’s mission while building on the foundations laid during Balshaw’s leadership.

Balshaw has not detailed her plans beyond her final project. However, she expressed enthusiasm for working closely with artists and pursuing her interests in writing and new creative collaborations after she leaves Tate.

The departure of Maria Balshaw marks the end of a significant chapter in Tate’s history. Her tenure has been notable for its emphasis on inclusivity, diverse programming, and public engagement, even as the institution prepares for a new era under forthcoming leadership.