BP Extends Partnerships With Leading UK Cultural Institutions For Further Five Years

Four of the UK’s major cultural institutions - the British Museum, the National Portrait Gallery, the Royal Opera House and the Royal Shakespeare Company - have renewed their long-standing partnerships with BP from 2018.

In total BP will invest around £7.5 million for a range of projects in the four partnerships over five years continuing its role as one of the most significant long-term corporate investors in UK arts and culture.

BP has provided secure long-term funding to each of the four organisations over many years, three of them for more than 20 years, which has helped them to plan and sustain access to arts and culture including exhibitions, performances and learning and participation activities, of the very highest quality. 

Since the beginning of the institutions’ partnerships with BP:

•Over 3.8 million people have attended a BP supported British Museum exhibition, display or activity.

• Over six million people have visited the BP Portrait Award at the National Portrait Gallery and tour venues throughout the UK which, in total, has attracted over 35,300 entries to the competition from more than 100 countries

• Over half a million people across the country have enjoyed free BP Big Screen relays of live performances of world-class opera and ballet direct from the Royal Opera House, and many more have participated in learning and participation projects from Aberdeen to London and beyond

• Over 62,000 tickets have been sold as part of the RSC’s BP £5 ticket scheme for 16-25 year olds

In total over 50 million people have engaged with BP supported arts and cultural activities since 1990 with more than 2 million in 2015 alone.  BP was also the first major partner to be announced as a supporter of the Hull City of Culture 2017 initiative, a city where BP has had a presence for over 50 years.

Peter Mather, BP Group Regional Vice President, Europe & Head of Country, UK: “BP is proud to announce the renewal of our partnerships with the British Museum, the National Portrait Gallery, the Royal Opera House and the Royal Shakespeare Company.  Our industry is going through a period of rebalancing, but our commitment to the UK and to our partners is for the long-term.  Our continued support will enable these institutions to forward plan engaging, educational and powerful exhibitions and performances that will be enjoyed by millions here in the UK and beyond.”

Commenting on the renewal, Dr Nicholas Cullinan, Director of the National Portrait Gallery, London said: “This year is the twenty-seventh year the Award has been very generously supported by BP, which allows us to make the exhibition free for our visitors. We are extremely grateful for, and proud of, this ongoing partnership, for such longevity and loyalty is unique in corporate sponsorship. At a time when funding for public institutions is increasingly stretched, the support of the arts that BP provides is vital.”

Chief Executive of the Royal Opera House,  Alex Beard said: “BP has been and remains at the forefront of corporate investment in arts and culture in the UK and it’s wonderful for the Royal Opera House to have their commitment for a further five years.  One of the benefits of such long-term support is that you can really build and develop a partnership, and to have the BP Big Screen programme consistently providing opportunities for people up and down the country to access world-class ballet and opera for free is fantastic.”

Catherine Mallyon, RSC Executive Director, spoke of what the sponsorship brings to her organisation:  “BP’s sponsorship of our £5 ticket scheme for 16-25 year olds gives many young people the chance to see our work.  The scheme is highly valued by our audiences and helps us establish lifetime enthusiasts for Shakespeare and live theatre.  Since 2013, we have sold over 62,000 tickets thanks to BP’s support.  Corporate sponsorship is an important part of our diverse funding mix, alongside ticket sales, public investment, private philanthropy and commercial activity. Together they allow us to deliver our artistic programme and reach the widest possible audience.”