Ekow Eshun awarded OBE for arts contributions

Ekow Eshun, a prominent art curator and writer, was awarded an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) at an investiture ceremony at Windsor Castle. The Princess Royal presented the honour for his extensive contributions to the arts.

Mr Eshun, 58, is known for his role as chair of the Fourth Plinth Commissioning Group, the body that selects and oversees the contemporary artworks displayed on the Fourth Plinth in Trafalgar Square. His work has focused on promoting diverse artistic voices and perspectives.

Championing Black Artists

His career includes significant curatorial work, with exhibitions organised for institutions such as the Southbank Centre and the National Portrait Gallery. These exhibitions specifically highlighted black artists and the representation of the black figure in contemporary art. Mr Eshun also made history as the first black director of the Institute of Contemporary Arts in London, serving in that capacity from 2005 to 2010. Earlier in his career, he became the first black editor of a major UK magazine when he took the helm at Arena Magazine in 1997.

Speaking after the ceremony, Mr Eshun commented on the current societal climate, describing the fear of the 'other' or 'stranger' as a defining aspect of contemporary times. He suggested that art offers a means for people to connect and understand each other better. 'Art is one of the significant ways that we can come to understand and move closer to each other,' he told PA Wire.

Mr Eshun also recently wrote for The Guardian on the theme of 'the stranger', referencing a speech by Sir Keir Starmer. He advocated for embracing complexity and difference within society, stating that a world where diverse perspectives are honoured leads to a richer way of living together.