Sally Tallant has been announced as the new director of the Hayward Gallery and visual arts at London's Southbank Centre, marking a significant appointment for one of the UK's most prominent cultural institutions. The Leeds-born artistic director, currently leading the Queens Museum in New York, will return to the UK to take over from Ralph Rugoff, who steps down after two decades in charge.
A Return to British Cultural Leadership
Tallant brings extensive experience from both sides of the Atlantic to her new role. Prior to her New York position, she spent eight years as director of the Liverpool Biennial and more than a decade at London's Serpentine Gallery, where she served as head of programmes until 2011. Her appointment concludes speculation about who would secure one of the most sought-after positions in the British arts sector.
Timing with Anniversary Celebrations
Tallant will assume her position in July, coinciding with the Southbank Centre's 75th anniversary celebrations. The institution, which attracts approximately 3.7 million visitors annually, has planned an ambitious programme to mark this milestone. This includes Danny Boyle's participatory event You Are Here, which will see thousands of participants engaging with the site, and a landmark exhibition by Anish Kapoor at the Hayward Gallery.
Commitment to Accessibility and Inclusion
Throughout her career, Tallant has made accessibility a central focus of her work. In a 2021 interview, she emphasised her commitment to ensuring art institutions become relevant and accessible to everyone, particularly those historically excluded due to class, race, gender, disability, or sexuality. She expressed excitement about building on what she described as the "outstanding legacy" of her predecessor while shaping "the next chapter of this vital cultural destination and civic institution."
Facing Institutional Challenges
The new director joins the Southbank Centre at a challenging time for cultural institutions. In 2024, CEO Elaine Bedell revealed the need to secure £50 million for infrastructure renovations following a 41% real-terms reduction in Arts Council funding over the past decade. Despite these financial pressures, Bedell described Tallant's appointment as occurring at a "pivotal moment," with the incoming director taking "the helm of a gallery that has defined global contemporary art for 60 years."
Collaborative Vision for the Future
Tallant will work closely with Mark Ball, artistic director of the Southbank Centre, who expressed enthusiasm about her bringing the Hayward Gallery "into the future with a spirit of openness, energy and radical accessibility." During her tenure in New York, Tallant commissioned notable artists including Rashid Johnson, while her Liverpool Biennial editions featured collaborations with internationally recognised figures such as Ugo Rondinone, Peter Blake, and Carlos Cruz-Diez.
Institutional Support and Recognition
Misan Harriman, chair of the Southbank Centre, welcomed Tallant's appointment as marking "an inspiring new chapter" for the institution. He emphasised that during this crucial anniversary year, it remains essential for the organisation to "reflect the courage and creativity of the world we live in today." The leadership team hopes the 75th anniversary celebrations will galvanise public engagement with arts and culture, echoing the impact of the original Festival of Britain in 1951.
