The Whitechapel Gallery
(Picture: Guy Montagu-Pollock / arcaidimag)The new director of the Whitechapel Gallery says she will put “ diversity, access and inclusivity” at its heart.
Gilane Tawadros, who takes over the east London institution in October, is only the 10th director in its more than 120 year history and takes over from Iwona Blazwick who spent 20 years in charge.
Ms Tawadros said: “As a passionate advocate for the critical value of art and artists to everyone in society, I am thrilled to have this opportunity to lead one of the world’s most pioneering cultural institutions.
“I look forward to working in close collaboration with Whitechapel Gallery’s Board and team, artists, and communities in East London, across the country and the globe, to shape a future for the Gallery that is bravely responsive to the pressing socio-political and environmental context of our time.
“Cultural diversity, access and inclusivity are abiding concerns for me that underpin a desire to make contemporary art and the art gallery central to all our lives.”
Tawadros is a curator and writer and currently runs the Design and Artists Copyright Society (DACS) which looks after artist’s rights and royalties.
The gallery, which first opened its doors in 1901, has shown work by famous names including Mark Rothko, David Hockney and Pablo Picasso whose vast anti-war painting Guernica was displayed there in 1938.
Previous directors include Nicholas Serota who was also director of the Tate and currently heads Arts Council England.
Dr David Dibosa, Chair of Whitechapel Gallery Trustees said: “I am overjoyed that Gilane Tawadros will lead Whitechapel Gallery in te next stage of its history.
“Gilane has a compelling vision and brings decades of experience to help make this a reality. She believes in the role of art in society and knows how to equip institutions to play their part.
“Throughout her career, Gilane has remained committed to artists alongside all those who help to bring their work into public view. The unanimity of support for our new Director gives me every confidence that Gilane Tawadros will bring our hopes to fruition, and build on the extraordinary achievements of Iwona Blazwick, who steps down after more than twenty years of leadership.”
