Chair of the Barbican Centre Board, Sir William Russell, has paid tribute to Claire Spencer, the arts centre’s Chief Executive Officer, after she decided to step down from the role.
He said:
“In her time here, Claire has made a huge contribution to both the Barbican and to the wider Corporation.
“She was instrumental in helping the Barbican reopen, recover, and reestablish itself following the disruption of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“She has consistently championed the Barbican Renewal Programme, taking it from an idea on paper to the on-the-ground delivery of the first works. And she has brought leadership and focus to the Equity, Diversity and Inclusion agenda, recognising that the Barbican’s legacy on this issue required tangible action and commitment to change. I am enormously grateful for everything she has done.
“As a leader, Claire has always been clear sighted and determined to do the absolute best for the Barbican, whilst also being deeply empathetic and inclusive, and most of all great fun.
“I know I speak for many at the Barbican and across the City Corporation, as well as for myself, when I say she will be a much-missed colleague.
“In due course, and following a period of reflection, the Barbican Board will be starting the process to recruit a new CEO, advertising and searching globally for the best candidate.
“Claire will be a hard act to follow, but I have every confidence that this position – leading one of the world’s greatest arts centres in one of the world’s greatest cities – will attract the highest level of talent and interest from around the globe.
“In the meantime, David Farnsworth will continue to act as the Barbican’s Interim CEO, supported by Ali Mirza as Interim Deputy CEO and the rest of the Barbican’s brilliant Director team. I’m very grateful to Simon Latham and other colleagues at the City Bridge Foundation for continuing to cover for David during his absence from the Foundation.”
ENDS
Notes to editors
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 – .
The Barbican Centre is a leading international arts, learning and conference organisation in the , which showcases all major art forms including dance, film, music, theatre, and visual arts. Central to its purpose is supporting emerging talent and young people which has seen the Barbican Centre run over 230 learning activities and events to over 49,000 participants over the past year, providing the resources needed for more young people to develop their artistic practice and access jobs in the creative industry.
A Brutalist icon, the Barbican Centre is one of the UK’s greatest post-war buildings, attracting almost two million visitors a year. It is home to two art galleries, two theatres, three cinemas, a concert hall, a tropical conservatory with over 1,500 species of plants and trees, as well as a library, conference facilities, public and community spaces, restaurants, and a picturesque lakeside oasis.
It is a major contributor to the economic, social, and cultural life of the City, London, and the UK, making an annual £40 million contribution to the capital’s economy and supporting over 800 jobs.
The City Corporation is the owner, founder, and principal funder of the Barbican Centre. It is one of the largest funders of heritage and cultural activities in the UK and invests over £130m every year. The organisation manages a range of world-class cultural and heritage institutions, including Tower Bridge, Guildhall School of Music & Drama, Guildhall Art Gallery, London Metropolitan Archives, and Keats House. It also supports the London Symphony Orchestra and the Museum of London.
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