Press room

“A huge contribution”: Chair of Barbican Centre Board pays tribute to Claire Spencer

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 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. 

“In due course, and following a period of reflection, the Barbican Board will be starting the process to recruit a new CEO.

“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.”