We learn today that the name submitted to the prime minister for approval as the new director of Tate is Maria Balshaw. Balshaw has been speculated as the potential replacement for Serota for the past few months but now it finally feels very real that she may be about to become the most powerful woman in British art.

The head of the Whitworth in Manchester is understood to have been selected by Tate’s trustees but her appointment will not be announced formally until it has been authorised by Theresa May. A decision is not expected until at least next week.

Balshaw has been director of the Whitworth gallery in Manchester since 2006 and added Manchester city galleries in 2011. In 2014, she in effect became Manchester’s cultural attache when she took on the role of strategic lead for culture at the city council.

Art galleries aside, she has been a central figure in the creation of The Factory, the £110m arts venue planned on the former site of the Granada TV studios. A planning decision on that project is due to be made by city councillors this week.

As Maria Balshaw has a fortnight of waiting for decisions on her fate, we have our fingers crossed for her. no-one does it better than Balshaw!

As Serota announced he was stepping down, the hunt has been on for the new director of the Tate. The position for one of the most powerful jobs in the arts has been ongoing since it was announced that Serota was stepping down in September after nearly 30 years service.

Photo Credit : Creative Tourist