UK Museums Encouraged to Phases Out Fossil Fuel Funding Sponsorships According to a New Ethical Code
The British Museum and the Science Museum in London are still receiving funding from fossil fuel companies as of early 2025, despite the adoption of a new code of ethics by the Museums Association (MA) this week.
The new code of ethics urges museums to consider climate and ecological impacts and social responsibility in all decision making, and encourages them to secure funding from ethical sources that align with the values of the organisation and serve the best interests of communities. It also includes recommendations for museums to transition away from sponsorship from organisations involved with environmental harm, including fossil fuels.
The British Museum's 10-year sponsorship deal is with BP, a major oil and gas company, and started in 2023. The Science Museum, on the other hand, receives funding from both BP and Adani Green Energy, a subsidiary of the Adani Group, one of the largest private coal companies in the world.
The British Museum's spokesperson stated that they consider each donation or sponsorship on its own merits and have an obligation to ensure the long-term financial stability of the Museum by securing funding from various sources. However, the spokesperson did not comment on whether they will succumb to further pressure or remain steadfast in their current sponsorships.
The UK adopted a law earlier this year that bars licenses for new oil and gas projects as part of its "clean energy future" plan. This move was met with approval from 77 percent of the British public, according to an Ipsos poll. A representative for Culture Unstained, a campaign against monetary relationships between arts organizations and fossil fuel companies, commented on the new code of ethics in Arts Professional, stating that it offers an opportunity to set a powerful new precedent, not just in the UK but internationally.
Despite some institutions ending relationships with fossil fuel companies, the British Museum and the Science Museum still rely on this kind of sponsorship. This has been a point of contention for several protest groups, including Just Stop Oil, which ended its demonstrations targeting museums and public spaces after the UK adopted the new climate policy.
The last code of ethics by the MA was ratified in 2015, and the latest iteration of the code of ethics mimics updated government legislation in the United Kingdom. The new code of ethics, if ratified, will provide a significant shift in the way museums approach sponsorship and funding, and could potentially lead to a more sustainable and responsible future for the arts sector.
