In a shock announcement last week, the City of London Corporation announced that the Barbican Centre’s first ever CEO is stepping down after only two years in the post.
Claire Spencer was recruited in May 2022 to lead Britain’s second biggest arts centre, coming over to London from her native Australia after running Arts Centre Melbourne as CEO since 2014.
At the time, the City of London Corporation, who own the Barbican, said they had conducted a “far-reaching recruitment search” for the new role. However, Spencer is now leaving after two years in the job.
Chair of the Barbican Centre Board, Sir William Russell, said in a long statement that: “In her time here, Claire has made a huge contribution to both the Barbican and to the wider City of London 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.”
The board, following “a period of reflection” will start the recruitment process again.
Russell went on to say that, “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.”
David Farnsworth will continue to act as the Barbican’s Interim CEO, supported by Ali Mirza as Interim Deputy CEO.
Claire Spencer said on her LinkedIn page that, “this has not been a decision I have arrived at lightly”, and, “joining the Barbican has been one of the great privileges of my career and I have given it my all. Over these last two years, working with the brilliant Barbican Team we have achieved a lot. I believe it is time to hand over to someone with fresh legs (football analogy still stands this week) to lead the Centre into the next phase of its future”.
Currently playing at the Barbican Centre’s Barbican Theatre is Kiss Me, Kate starring Adrian Dunbar and Stephanie J Block, running to 14 September 2024.
Related News
Final casting announced for Death Note the Musical at the Barbican
Barbican announces theatre and dance programme for autumn/winter 2026
Shakespeare meets Radiohead: Hamlet Hail to the Thief announces London premiere and cast at the Barbican
Barbican Centre & Barbican Theatre to close for a year from June 2028 for major renovation
Latest News
Broadway legend Patti LuPone returns to the London Coliseum for Valentine’s Day 2027
Helen of Troy never got to tell her side. Watch the trailer for the play that does
After a sell-out world tour, The Choir of Man returns to the West End this Christmas
