Over 600 artists and art professionals have signed an open letter demanding that London’s Tate museum cut ties with arts organizations whose founders have financial connections to Israel.
The letter, addressed to Tate leadership before the December 3 Turner Prize ceremony, calls for divestment from three groups: the Zabludowicz Art Trust, Zabludowicz Art Projects, and Outset Contemporary Art Fund. These organizations are led by arts philanthropists Anita and Poju Zabludowicz and Candida Gertler.
Among the signatories are Jasleen Kaur, a current Turner Prize nominee, and past winners such as Charlotte Prodger, Helen Cammock, and Lawrence Abu Hamdan. Additional supporters include artists like Jumana Manna, Sophia al-Maria, and Evan Ifekoya.
The letter accuses the founders of these organizations of ties to policies in Gaza that have been described as “genocidal” by international bodies, including the International Court of Justice and the United Nations. Amnesty International has similarly labeled Israel’s policies as crimes of apartheid.
It also highlights accusations of “artwashing,” where partnerships with museums and artists are allegedly used to obscure controversial political connections. Activists have scrutinized Poju Zabludowicz’s financial ties, including funding pro-Israel groups and companies linked to Israeli security efforts, as detailed in a 2009 Guardian report.
Outset Contemporary Art Fund has also faced criticism for previously partnering with Leviev, a company associated with illegal settlement construction in the West Bank.
The letter argues that these affiliations contradict Tate’s stated commitment to equality and social impact. It references the museum’s past decision to cut ties with Russian donors following the invasion of Ukraine, urging similar action in response to the situation in Palestine.
“Tate has a profound moral duty, if not a legal one, to divest from its affiliations with the Israeli state,” the letter concludes.
