theguardian.com
National Gallery to Expand with £375m Investment and Modern Art Collection
The National Gallery in London will expand with a new wing, funded by a £375 million investment, and will begin collecting modern art from 1900 onwards, ending a long-standing agreement with Tate.
- What are the potential long-term consequences of this expansion and the change in collection policy?
- The expansion will increase the gallery's capacity to showcase art history more comprehensively, and the inclusion of 20th-century and contemporary works may attract a wider and more diverse audience, enhancing its global profile and relevance in the art world.
- What is the immediate impact of the £375 million investment on the National Gallery and the broader art world?
- The investment will fund a new wing behind the Sainsbury building, opening in the early 2030s, representing the largest project at a major British arts institution since the Tate Modern's opening. This signifies a significant boost to the National Gallery's resources and influence at a time when many institutions face funding challenges.
- How does the decision to collect post-1900 art affect the National Gallery's collection and its relationship with Tate?
- The decision lifts the self-imposed 1900 cutoff, allowing the National Gallery to address its gender imbalance (27 of 2300 paintings are by women) and offer a more complete history of art. Tate has welcomed this move and intends to collaborate to improve the national collection.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The article presents the National Gallery's expansion and policy change in a largely positive light, highlighting the significant investment secured and the potential benefits. The headline could be considered framing bias, focusing on the positive aspect of the investment and modernization rather than the controversial policy shift regarding the collection of post-1900 art. The inclusion of positive quotes from the director, Prime Minister and Leader of the Opposition further reinforces this positive framing. The potential negative implications of the policy change are downplayed and presented later in the article.
Language Bias
The language used is largely positive and celebratory, using terms like "landmark investment," "fantastic news," and "coup." The description of the gallery as "human-sized" contrasts it favorably with larger institutions like the Louvre and Prado. While not overtly biased, this positive language shapes the reader's perception. The shift in collecting policy is described as a necessary 'change' rather than a potentially controversial 'break' with tradition.
Bias by Omission
The article omits discussion of potential criticisms of the new policy or concerns about the implications of altering the established agreement with Tate. It also lacks details on the selection process for the new artworks, and the specific criteria that will be used when choosing which paintings to include in their collection. Further, there is no mention of the architects that have participated in the competition, nor the amount of time that is expected to complete this project. The potential negative financial implications for Tate are not addressed. While some limitations are due to space constraints, this omission is noteworthy.
False Dichotomy
The article presents a somewhat simplified eitheor scenario regarding the National Gallery's collection policy: either maintain the historical focus or expand to include 20th-century art. It doesn't explore the possibility of alternative solutions or gradual expansions. The focus on the 'human sized' nature of the gallery contrasts it directly with larger institutions, presenting a simplistic choice of scale and accessibility.
Gender Bias
The article mentions the gender imbalance in the National Gallery's collection, highlighting the low number of works by female artists (only 27 out of 2300). This acknowledgement is positive, but the article does not delve into the reasons behind this imbalance or discuss specific steps the gallery will take to address it beyond hoping it will "go some way" to solving the problem. More detailed information on the specific plans to rectify this is missing.
Sustainable Development Goals
The investment in the National Gallery and its expansion will create educational opportunities for young people, increasing access to art and culture. The Prime Minister's quote highlights this positive impact on education.