Bob and Roberta Smith
Biography
Bob and Roberta Smith believe that art plays a powerful role in democratic systems, both as a forum for free speech and as a workshop to explore new futures. Bob and Roberta Smith signwrite their ideas on pieces of old timber they find in skips. Their work has been shown extensively internationally. Recent shows include, Paul Thek in the Context of Today’s Contemporary Art, ZKM and I was up all night making this Cezare Manzo Gallery, Rome. In their books, Art U Need, (Black Dog Press) and Hijack Reality, (CT Editions), they explore their central belief that, ‘people have culture, they don’t need artists to make culture for them. People should make their own damn art.’
Bob and Roberta Smith believe ‘Art’ allows people to get out of the trench of existence and see how the land really lies. Bob and Roberta’s favourite Artist is Hogarth.
Why I wanted to become a Tate Trustee
In Britain our industries are long dead, our sportsmen always disappoint, the banks are finished, almost the last thing we do well is Culture! This is largely due to one gallery, Tate. It’s a no brainer, of course I would want to support Tate and be a trustee.
British Culture is amazing. With every new migrant British culture becomes stronger. New food, new languages, new music, new ways of being and new Art. Life in British cities is an amazing display, not just of tolerance, but of celebration. Tate reflects and enables all of this, that’s why it’s such a great institution to be associated with.
As a provider of amazing cultural experiences to the public Tate is as important as the BBC.
Appointment Information
Appointed by: Prime Minister
Appointment: 20 July 2009
Term expires: 19 July 2013