Bloomberg Philanthropies and Tate

Bloomberg Philanthropies’ funding has enabled Tate to test pilot projects, try out innovative technology and deliver art to widespread and diverse audiences in a more accessible way

Since the opening of Tate Modern in 2000, Bloomberg Philanthropies has worked with Tate to create pioneering projects in digital interpretation, initially at Tate Modern and across Tate’s online channels, and from 2022 also at Tate Britain. The partnership has positioned the gallery as a leading force in the field of digital interpretation of the arts.

Throughout Bloomberg and Tate’s long-standing partnership there have been many successful collaborations. Current collaborations include:

  • Interactive areas throughout the gallery which enable audiences to immerse themselves in the museum experience; Tate Draw is located in the Drum at Tate Britain, the Starr Foyer at Tate Modern, and online at Tate Draw. The game encourages visitors to get creative and be inspired by Tate artworks using a digital sketchpad.
  • Artist films; Bloomberg Philanthropies has continued to support film at Tate since 2007, enabling us to deliver our vision of making art accessible to all, reaching international and diverse audiences. You can explore this Tate film content on Tate Videos, a video archive generously supported by Bloomberg Philanthropies.
  • A number of films on Tate Kids, inviting younger audiences to interact with art and the stories it tells.
  • Art and Activism, an Immersive space in Tate Modern which invites audiences to discover how artists have responded to social and political issues in the world around them.

With a partnership which dates back over 22 years, there are many previous collaborations to recognise and celebrate too. These include:

  • The Timeline of Modern Art at Tate Modern between 2013 and 2022; this interactive timeline invited audiences to explore the story of art, from 1900 to the present day. It pulled together images of over 3500 works of art by 750 artists, enabling visitors to learn about modern art movements, and to see connections between artists across time. Designed by Oscar-winning visual effects studio Framestore, who worked on such feature films as Gravity and Guardians of the Galaxy, the 6.5 metre digital screen was made up of a series of touch-sensitive micro-tiles, across which a cascade of words and images appeared.
  • Multimedia guides, mobile gaming, a screening room and additional Immersive spaces in Tate Modern, such as a space which enabled visitors to explore artists’ studios in cities across the world, journeying through film.
three figures looking at a blackboard.

Bloomberg Connects, Timeline of Modern Art at Tate Modern

Bloomberg Philanthropies also supported Steve McQueen's Year 3, which was on display at Tate Britain from 12 November 2019 – 31 January 2021. In this exhibition, the Turner Prize-winning artist and Oscar-winning filmmaker, Steve McQueen unveiled his epic portrait of London’s Year 3 Pupils.

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