Former Whitworth Art Gallery chief appointed as Honorary Professor

15 Aug 2017

Maria Balshaw, who left the Whitworth Art Gallery to become the Director of Tate, has been appointed as an Honorary Professor by the School of Arts, Languages & Cultures

Maria was the Director of The University of Manchester’s Whitworth and Manchester City Galleries, and was at the very forefront of the city’s arts and cultural scene for 11 years. She has played an integral part in its cultural reinvigoration, helping to secure Manchester’s place as an internationally significant home for the arts. 

Alongside her role as Director of two major Manchester institutions, Maria also held the post of Director of Culture for Manchester City Council, and was awarded a CBE in the 2015 Queen’s Birthday Honours List for services to the arts.

“The University of Manchester and the Whitworth has been an extraordinary place to work this past decade, and I’m proud that the gallery is recognised for its innovation, scholarly knowledge and its dynamic approach to broadening audiences,” said Maria.

“I am delighted to be able to continue my association with the life of the campus, its students and its research community, as I move to London as Director of Tate.” 

Nick Merriman, the Director of Manchester Museum and Interim Director of the Whitworth, has also been made an Honorary Professor. Nick is recognised for his contributions to the development of public archaeology and museum studies, and for influencing the heritage sector around issues of cultural diversity, sustainability and the future of collections. 

Both Maria and Nick have had a longstanding involvement with the School of Arts, Languages & Cultures, and more specifically with the Institute for Cultural Practices and Arts History and Visual Studies.

“I'm delighted by the award of this Honorary Professorship, which cements the relationship between the University's cultural institutions and the School even more strongly,” said Nick.

“We are delighted to welcome Maria and Nick as Honorary Professors in the School of Arts, Languages & Cultures,” said Professor Alessandro Schiesaro, the School’s Head.

“They have a passion for the arts, and will both unquestionably be inspirational to our students and staff. We are looking forward to working with and learning from them both in the years to come."