Barbican Centre Seeks New Chief Executive Officer

The internationally renowned Barbican Centre is seeking a new Chief Executive Officer to lead it through its next era of growth and innovation.

The Barbican Centre is an iconic jewel in London’s cultural crown and the new Chief Executive will be pivotal to the delivery of the centre’s ongoing evolution, which includes the Barbican’s ambitious renewal programme.

Chair of the Corporation’s Barbican Centre Board, Sir William Russell, said:

“This pivotal role offers a unique opportunity to influence the future of a remarkable organisation, one that has brought joyful and unforgettable experiences to millions of visitors for decades.

“Our new CEO will be a visionary and dynamic leader with a deep appreciation for the arts and how they enrich society.

“The Barbican’s ongoing transformation presents a unique opportunity to reshape our iconic space, ensuring it remains a thriving destination and a beacon of artistic excellence for future generations.

“They will be committed to continuing the empowerment and diversification of the Centre’s workforce while extending its influence across the arts, culture, events and tourism sectors both locally and globally.”

In December 2024, the Corporation approved a £191 million funding package for essential repairs and upgrades at the Barbican Centre.

This funding provides around 80% of the total needed for the first five-year phase of the Barbican Renewal Programme, an initiative aimed at ensuring every part of the centre is restored, revitalised and relevant for future generations. The Barbican Centre will launch a major campaign later this year to raise the remainder of the funds needed.

The Programme is one of several transformative projects being delivered by the City Corporation, including the Salisbury Square Development, which will house the new Police HQ and multi-courts complex, and the new London Museum at Smithfield.

The Barbican’s former CEO, Claire Spencer stepped down from the role in July 2024, with Sir William at the time paying tribute to her “huge contribution” to both the Barbican and the City Corporation. David Farnsworth, Managing Director of City Bridge Foundation, is currently the Barbican’s Interim CEO. The City Bridge Foundation is a 900-year-old charity which maintains five Thames bridges including the iconic Tower Bridge, and is London’s biggest independent funder, awarding over £840 million since 1995 to charitable organisations tackling disadvantage across the capital.

The City Corporation is one of the largest funders of heritage and cultural activities in the UK, investing over £130m every year. The organisation manages a range of world-class cultural and heritage institutions, including the Barbican Centre, Guildhall School of Music & Drama, Guildhall Art Gallery, Guildhall Library, The London Archives, and Keats House. It also supports the London Symphony Orchestra and the London Museum.

ENDS

Notes to Editors

About the role

For further information about the position please visit: www.rraresponses.com and https://www.russellreynolds.com/en/executive-opportunities#city

About the Corporation

The Corporation is the governing body of the Square Mile dedicated to a vibrant and thriving City, supporting a diverse and sustainable London within a globally successful UK.

About the Barbican

The Barbican is a catalyst for creativity, sparking possibilities for artists, audiences, and communities. We showcase the most exciting art from around the world, pushing traditional artistic boundaries to entertain and inspire millions of people, create connections, provoke debate, and reflect the world we live in.

We are an international arts and events centre rooted firmly in our own neighbourhood, collaborating with local communities and putting the on the map as a destination for everybody. Central to our purpose is supporting emerging talent and shaping opportunities that will accelerate the next generation of creatives.

As a not-for-profit, we rely on the generosity of individuals and organisations, including our principal funder the Corporation. Every ticket purchased, donation made, and pound earned supports our arts and learning programme and enables the widest possible range of people to experience the joy of the arts.

Opened in 1982, the Barbican is a unique and audacious building, recognised globally as an architectural icon. As well as our theatres, galleries, concert halls and cinemas, we have a large conservatory with over 1,500 species of plants and trees, a library, conference facilities, public and community spaces, restaurants, bars, and a picturesque lakeside oasis.

We’re proud to be the home of the London Symphony Orchestra, and a London base of the Royal Shakespeare Company. We regularly co-commission, produce and showcase the work of our other associates and partners including the Academy of Ancient Music, BBC Symphony Orchestra, Boy Blue, Darbar Festival, Doc’n Roll Film Festival, Drum Works, EFG London Jazz Festival, London Palestine Film Festival, Serious, and Trafalgar Theatre Productions.