Sally Tallant, the former director of the Liverpool Biennial, has been appointed as the new director of the Hayward Gallery and visual arts at London's Southbank Centre. This announcement concludes speculation over one of the most coveted positions in the arts sector, with Tallant set to return to the UK from her current role leading the Queens Museum in New York.
A Return to London and a New Chapter
Tallant, who was born in Leeds, will take over from Ralph Rugoff, who is stepping down after two decades at the helm of the institution. Her appointment coincides with the Southbank Centre's 75th anniversary celebrations this year, marking a significant moment for the cultural venue that attracts approximately 3.7 million visitors annually.
In a statement, Tallant expressed her delight at returning to London and her excitement about building on what she described as the "outstanding legacy" left by Rugoff. She emphasised her commitment to "shaping the next chapter of this vital cultural destination and civic institution," highlighting her forward-looking vision for the gallery.
Background and Artistic Vision
Tallant's career includes an eight-year tenure leading the Liverpool Biennial and over a decade working at the Serpentine Gallery, where she served as head of programmes until 2011. Since 2019, she has been based in the United States, overseeing the Queens Museum.
Throughout her previous roles, Tallant has championed accessibility as a core principle. In a 2021 interview, she articulated her mission: "I want to be a part of making sure art and arts institutions are relevant and accessible to everyone, especially those who have been historically and systemically excluded because of class, race, gender, disability and sexuality."
Challenges and Celebrations Ahead
Tallant will assume her new position in July, as the Southbank Centre's 75th birthday festivities are underway. These celebrations include Danny Boyle's participatory event, You Are Here, which will involve thousands of participants taking over the site to honour the institution's longstanding support for youth culture.
Additionally, a landmark exhibition by Anish Kapoor is scheduled at the Hayward Gallery, with leaders hoping these events will galvanise the nation, much like the original Festival of Britain did in 1951.
However, Tallant joins an institution facing substantial challenges. In 2024, Southbank Centre CEO Elaine Bedell highlighted the need to secure £50 million for renovations to update its ageing infrastructure. This comes after the centre's Arts Council funding was reduced by 41% in real terms over the past decade.
Leadership and Future Directions
Bedell welcomed Tallant's appointment, noting that she is joining at a pivotal moment and will take the "helm of a gallery that has defined global contemporary art for 60 years." Misan Harriman, chair of the Southbank Centre, described the appointment as marking "an inspiring new chapter" and stressed the importance of reflecting "the courage and creativity of the world we live in today" during this crucial year.
During her time in New York, Tallant commissioned notable artists such as Rashid Johnson. Her four editions of the Liverpool Biennial featured collaborations with artists including Ugo Rondinone, Peter Blake, Lara Favaretto, Betty Woodman, Tobias Rehberger, and Carlos Cruz-Diez.
Tallant will work closely with Mark Ball, the artistic director of the Southbank Centre, who expressed his anticipation of seeing her bring the Hayward Gallery "into the future with a spirit of openness, energy and radical accessibility."
