Tom Sleigh has taken over as Chair of the City of London Corporation’s Barbican Centre Board.

Mr Sleigh, who succeeds Dr Giles Shilson, is now responsible for guiding the Board, which takes decisions relating to the strategy of the international arts and learning Centre.

His other City Corporation responsibilities include serving as Vice-Chair of the key decision-making Policy and Resources Committee, and chairing the Investment Committee, which is responsible for the City’s property and equity investments.

Deputy Tom Sleigh, Chair, Barbican Centre Board, said:

“The Barbican Centre Board and the management team which runs this incredible cultural powerhouse are the most dedicated, creative, and passionate group of people that I could wish to work alongside.

“I shall draw upon their energy and experience to help guide the Centre through the biggest crisis for the UK’s creative arts sector in many generations, and I firmly believe that we will get through COVID-19 and resume delighting our audiences, in person, at the Barbican.

“I would like to thank Giles Shilson, our previous Chair, for his excellent stewardship of the Board over the last three years, and his sound judgment, generosity, and much appreciated support.”

In common with other major arts and cultural institutions in London and across the UK, the Barbican, which is owned and managed by the City of London Corporation, has been closed since mid-March, due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

During the lockdown period, ‘virtual’ committee meetings are being held via Microsoft Teams and open to members of the public.

The City of London Corporation is the fourth largest funder of heritage and cultural activities in the UK and invests over £100m every year.

The City Corporation is also developing Culture Mile between Farringdon and Moorgate – a multi-million-pound investment which will create a new cultural and creative destination for London. This includes £197m funding to support the Museum of London’s move to West Smithfield by 2024 and £6.8m to support the detailed business case for the proposed Centre for Music.

ENDS