More than 200 artists and cultural leaders have signed a public letter criticising the Barbican Centre’s decision to remove its director of arts and participation, Devyani Saltzman. The signatories describe the move as alarming. Moreover, they question how the institution communicated the change.

The Barbican recently confirmed that Saltzman’s position will end as part of an organisational transition. However, critics argue that the decision goes beyond restructuring. Instead, they say it affects leadership diversity and public accountability at one of the UK’s most prominent arts venues.

🎭 Cultural Figures Raise Concerns

The letter includes prominent names such as John Akomfrah, Jasleen Kaur and Isaac Julien. In addition, former Barbican artistic director Graham Sheffield signed the statement. Together, they represent a wide section of the arts community.

The signatories state that they feel “profound disappointment and alarm.” Furthermore, they argue that the Barbican failed to provide sufficient clarity. Because the centre operates as a major public institution, they insist that leadership changes require transparency.

The Barbican attracts around 1.5 million visitors each year. Therefore, the letter stresses that governance decisions affect artists, audiences and communities alike.

📊 Leadership Restructure Explained

Saltzman joined the Barbican in 2024. During her tenure, she focused on participation and inclusive programming. Meanwhile, a new chief executive, Abigail Pogson, recently took office.

Saltzman said her departure results from a restructure. She confirmed that the Barbican will not replace her role. However, the open letter challenges how leadership framed the change.

The authors argue that the institution reduced the situation to an internal staffing matter. In contrast, they believe the issue carries broader cultural consequences.

“As a publicly funded institution, the Barbican must demonstrate accountability and clarity in its leadership decisions.”

📈 Demands for Transparency and Data

The letter outlines specific requests. First, the signatories want a detailed explanation of why the Barbican removed the arts head role. Second, they request updated data on senior leadership diversity. In addition, they seek reassurance that the centre will maintain its equality and anti-racism commitments.

The signatories highlight that Saltzman was among the few senior leaders from a South Asian and racially diverse background. Consequently, they argue that her departure raises serious representation concerns.

Moreover, they call for a public plan that outlines how the Barbican will protect inclusive programming. They emphasise that representation must remain central to institutional strategy.

🏛️ Previous Institutional Scrutiny

Concerns about the Barbican’s internal culture are not new. In 2021, staff publicly described the organisation as institutionally racist. As a result, leadership introduced reforms and later launched an anti-racism action plan in 2024.

That plan included structured anti-racism training and broader diversity initiatives. Therefore, critics now question how the latest leadership change aligns with those commitments.

🔎 What Happens Next

The letter concludes with a call for openness. The signatories urge the Barbican to respond with concrete actions. Otherwise, they warn that artists and audiences may reconsider their engagement with the venue.

For now, the Barbican has referred back to its earlier public statement. However, the debate continues within the arts sector. Meanwhile, many observers await a fuller explanation from the institution’s leadership.