Iwona Blazwick Steps Down as Whitechapel Gallery Director After 20 Years
Iwona Blazwick is set to depart from her position as director of the Whitechapel Gallery in London this April, concluding a 20-year tenure. During her leadership, the gallery underwent a significant expansion in 2009, which doubled its size and enabled an annual commissioning program along with diverse exhibitions. Artists such as Goshka Macuga (2009) and Simone Fattal (2021) were showcased. Key group exhibitions included A Short History of Performance (2002-2005) and A Century of the Artist’s Studio (2022). In 2005, she established the Max Mara Art Prize for Women, with winners like Andrea Büttner (2009-2011). Blazwick will continue as 'emeritus curator' until the end of 2023, while trustees Alex Sainsbury, David Dibosa, Ann Gallagher, and Melanie Manchot will oversee the search for her successor.
Key facts
- Iwona Blazwick steps down as Whitechapel Gallery director after 20 years
- She will leave in April 2023 but remain emeritus curator through 2023
- Under her leadership, the gallery doubled in size via a 2009 expansion into the former Whitechapel Library
- The expansion enabled an annual commissioning program alongside exhibitions
- She launched the Max Mara Art Prize for Women in 2005
- Her departure follows other leadership changes at London institutions like ICA, Chisenhale, and Camden Arts Centre
- Gallery trustees Alex Sainsbury, David Dibosa, Ann Gallagher, and Melanie Manchot will lead the search for a new director
- Blazwick cited the gallery's strong post-pandemic financial position as a factor in her decision
Entities
Artists
- Iwona Blazwick
- Goshka Macuga
- Claire Barclay
- Josiah McElheny
- Giuseppe Penone
- Kader Attia
- Alicja Kwade
- Leonor Antunes
- Ulla von Brandenburg
- Carlos Bunga
- Nalini Malani
- Simone Fattal
- Andrea Büttner
- Laure Prouvost
- Emma Talbot
- Stefan Kalmar
- Zoé Whitley
- Martin Clark
- Jenni Lomax
- Alex Sainsbury
- David Dibosa
- Ann Gallagher
- Melanie Manchot
Institutions
- Whitechapel Gallery
- Tate Modern
- Institute of Contemporary Arts (ICA)
- Chisenhale Gallery
- Camden Arts Centre
- Max Mara Art Prize for Women
Locations
- London
- United Kingdom