CAAT Protests end National Gallery’s arms trade links

Six months after Campaign Against Arms Trade began their Disarm The Gallery campaign, the National Gallery’s arms sponsorship has ended.

Italian weapon manufacturer Finmeccanica had been one of the National Gallery’s ‘corporate benefactors’ since 2006. As a result, the Gallery hosted several events and receptions for international arms fairs. Their contract was due to run until 1 October 2013, but has been terminated one year early and just weeks before the next protest event was planned.

“We are delighted that the Gallery’s relationship with Finmeccanica has come to an end… We hope the end of this relationship marks a recognition that arms companies and their deadly deals have no place in our arts institutions.”