Jessica Morgan named new Tate director – with ‘big pay cut’ to take job

Jessica Morgan is returning to the Tate. The former director of the Dia Art Foundation has accepted the position of director, taking a significant pay cut to rejoin the institution where she spent over a decade as a curator.

Tate chair Roland Rudd confirmed the appointment, highlighting Morgan’s reputation as an agent of change. She steps into the role at a challenging time for the organization, which has faced financial instability, staffing issues, and fluctuating visitor numbers since the departure of her predecessor, Maria Balshaw.

Morgan earned $814,000 in her previous role at the New York-based Dia Art Foundation. Her new compensation package at the Tate will be substantially lower. Despite the salary reduction, she is viewed as a clear frontrunner with the necessary expertise to navigate the complex landscape of the multi-site institution.

Her priorities include raising staff morale and finding a firm direction for the galleries, which have struggled to regain the momentum they held during the tenure of former director Nicholas Serota. Morgan will officially begin her term in January, supported by interim director Karin Hindsbo until her arrival.