Barbican Turmoil: A Symptom of Broader Challenges for Diversity in Arts Leadership?
The recent departure of Devyani Saltzman as Arts Director at the Barbican Centre has ignited a firestorm of protest from prominent cultural figures, including Salman Rushdie and John Akomfrah. More than 170 leaders have signed an open letter expressing “profound disappointment and alarm” at the decision, raising critical questions about the commitment to diversity at the highest levels of UK arts institutions.
A Pattern of Change at the Barbican
Saltzman’s exit, just months after unveiling a five-year creative vision, follows a period of significant leadership turnover at the Barbican. Previous managing directors Nicholas Kenyon and Will Gompertz both left their posts after relatively short tenures, the former amidst accusations of “institutional racism.” This latest development adds to a growing sense of instability and raises concerns about the Barbican’s direction.
The Core of the Concern: Global Majority Leadership
The open letter specifically highlights the importance of sustaining “global majority leadership.” Saltzman, recognized as a driving force within the organization and recently named one of the 40 most influential women in the UK arts, represented a crucial step towards diversifying leadership. Her departure, coinciding with the arrival of a new CEO, is viewed by signatories as a setback.
Beyond the Barbican: A Wider Industry Issue
This situation isn’t isolated to the Barbican. Cultural institutions across the UK, and internationally, are grappling with the challenge of achieving meaningful diversity in leadership positions. While there’s been increased discussion around representation, progress remains slow. The Barbican case underscores the fragility of gains made and the potential for reversal.
Saltzman herself was vocal about the require for cultural institutions to reflect the diversity of the cities they serve, stating in 2024 that a “new wave of next-generation leadership” was needed to shift the existing model.
The Role of Governance and Transparency
Signatories are demanding greater transparency from the Barbican board and the City of London Corporation. They are seeking clarification on whether the Arts Director role has been formally eliminated, the decision-making process behind Saltzman’s departure, and the future configuration of artistic leadership. They’ve likewise requested data on the diversity of senior leadership and governance structures.
The Barbican’s chair, William Russell, has so far declined to comment on the specifics of the situation, citing confidentiality. This lack of transparency has fueled further criticism and distrust.
The Impact of External Pressures
Saltzman’s tenure also coincided with controversy surrounding the Barbican’s decision to back away from hosting a talk by Pankaj Mishra on the Holocaust and allegations of genocide in Gaza. This incident, while separate from the leadership change, highlights the pressures faced by cultural institutions navigating complex political and social issues.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Barbican Centre? The Barbican is a world-class arts and learning centre located in the City of London, presenting a diverse range of art, music, theatre, dance, film and more.
Who is Devyani Saltzman? She was the Arts Director at the Barbican Centre, appointed in February 2024, and recently recognized as a leading figure in the UK arts scene.
Why are cultural figures protesting her departure? They are concerned that her exit represents a step backward in efforts to diversify leadership within arts institutions.
Is this a common issue in the arts? Yes, achieving meaningful diversity in leadership remains a significant challenge for cultural organizations globally.
What are the signatories asking for? They are demanding transparency from the Barbican regarding the decision-making process and the future of artistic leadership.
Did you know? The Barbican Centre is a Grade II listed building, renowned for its brutalist architecture.
Pro Tip: Follow developments in arts leadership and diversity initiatives through publications like The Guardian and The Times to stay informed about industry trends.
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