New Tate Director Inherits Strikes, Deficits, and a High Programming Bar

Jessica Morgan, confirmed July 22, 2026 as Tate's new director, takes over an institution still recovering from pandemic-era redundancies, restructuring, a November 2025 staff strike, and culture-war pressures. Predecessor Maria Balshaw's nine years delivered record Frida Kahlo ticket sales and a Tracey Emin retrospective. Staff morale was described as "on the floor." Tate operates four sites nationwide, increasing its financial exposure.