Agenda item

The Town Clerk read the following thanks to the Managing Director on behalf of the Chair:-

RESOLVED UNANIMOUSLY: THAT the Members of this Board take great pleasure in expressing to Sir Nicholas Kenyon their sincere gratitude and appreciation for the dedication he has shown in all aspects of work of this Board, and the as Managing Director of the Barbican Centre during the last fourteen years.

During a time of increasing funding pressures for the arts, his keen financial acumen and eye for detail has been invaluable in balancing the artistic activities of the Centre with the transformation of the Barbican into a more commercially-minded organisation, generating significant income to ensure that the Centre can flourish as a world-class multi-arts centre in a new funding environment.

Most recently, Sir Nicholas has helped steer the Board and the Centre through the most difficult months of the pandemic. In addition, under his leadership, he has implemented several pieces of new strategic thinking, including a revised Strategic Plan, strategies for each of the art forms and for Creative Learning across the Barbican and Guildhall School, a new International Strategy, new funding models and an Arts and Learning Civic Strategy.

Key capital projects that have been approved and executed include those around fire, health and safety, and the refurbishment of Level 4, with others currently in train, most notably the Barbican Renewal Project which would transform the Barbican for the future and be a substantial legacy.

Other highlights include his crucial role in Culture Mile, bringing together the City's cultural offerings into a cohesive and more effective composite offering for all, and his involvement in successful shows and exhibitions including Basquiat and Hamlet to name a few.

Finally, colleagues on the Board wish to convey their huge thanks to him for his extremely dedicated service to the Barbican Centre during his tenure. Members wish Sir Nicholas, and his family, all the best in his future endeavours which will include music scholarship, criticism and writing following Nick’s departure from the Centre.