Sally Tallant is set to leave her position as president and executive director of the Queens Museum after a seven-year stint. As announced on social media on January 21, Tallant will transition back to her home country, England, where she will take on the role of director at the Southbank Centre’s Hayward Gallery in London. This move comes as the institution approaches its 75th anniversary. Tallant had originally joined the Queens Museum in November 2019, following her tenure as director of the Liverpool Biennial and head of programs at the Serpentine Gallery. Her earlier career included a position as assistant curator at Hayward Gallery, as mentioned in a statement by the Southbank Centre.
At the Queens Museum, Tallant followed Laura Raicovich, who resigned in 2018 after canceling an Israeli-sponsored event linked to the 1947 United Nations vote on the partition of Palestine, a decision that was later reversed. Born in Leeds, Tallant had never resided in the U.S. before assuming her role, which she took on shortly before the COVID-19 pandemic struck New York, affecting Queens severely. The museum closed for six months during the pandemic, maintaining only a weekly food pantry while furloughing staff. It reopened in September 2020, celebrating essential workers with a large public artwork by Mierle Laderman Ukeles.
Under Tallant’s guidance, 2021 saw the Queens Museum secure $26.4 million from NYC for its expansion, including a new children’s wing and enhanced HVAC system. The same year, the museum launched the “Year of Uncertainty” residency, later criticized by artists for mismanagement. In 2023, a report claimed Tallant dismissed concerns about changes in the residency and fostered “a culture of fear and silence.” The report also questioned her acceptance of an OBE award, given the museum’s diverse location.
In November 2023, staff requested a statement from museum leadership regarding Israel’s actions against Palestinians post-October 7 attack, due to the museum’s historical connection to the 1947 UN vote. Tallant, in a recorded meeting, stated the museum could not make political statements, though staff noted past instances of political commentary. Despite these challenges, Tallant’s tenure was marked by over 30 innovative exhibitions and significant public art projects, including a collaboration with Delta Airlines and Port Authority for six permanent installations at LaGuardia Airport’s Terminal C.
The Queens Museum has commenced its search for Tallant’s successor, as highlighted in their press release.
