What's Happening?
More than 200 arts professionals, including notable figures such as artists Jasleen Kaur, Isaac Julien, and John Akomfrah, have signed an open letter to the Barbican Centre in London. The letter expresses 'profound disappointment and alarm' over the recent
departure of Devyani Saltzman, the institution's director for arts and participation. Saltzman, who was appointed in 2024, is leaving due to an organizational restructure, and her role will not be replaced. The Barbican, a major public cultural institution, initially refrained from commenting on individual staffing matters but later stated that Saltzman's departure follows a phase of artistic and organizational transition. The letter criticizes the Barbican's handling of the situation, emphasizing the broader implications for diversity and leadership within the arts sector.
Why It's Important?
The departure of Devyani Saltzman from the Barbican Centre highlights significant issues regarding diversity and leadership in major cultural institutions. Saltzman was one of the few leaders of South Asian and racially diverse heritage in the Barbican's history, and her removal raises concerns about the institution's commitment to diversity and anti-racism goals. The arts community's response underscores the importance of transparency and accountability in public cultural institutions, which are funded and held in trust for the public. The situation also reflects broader challenges in achieving diversity and inclusion within the arts sector, which can impact public trust and engagement with these institutions.
What's Next?
The signatories of the letter have called on the Barbican to provide a full public explanation of the rationale behind Saltzman's departure and to publish data on the diversity of its senior leadership. They also urge the Barbican to outline how this decision aligns with its stated equality and anti-racism goals. The arts community is seeking a transparent and honest response from the Barbican, with a concrete plan of action to address these concerns. Failure to do so could lead to a reconsideration of how artists and communities engage with the institution in the future.
Beyond the Headlines
The controversy surrounding Saltzman's departure from the Barbican Centre may have long-term implications for the institution's reputation and its relationship with the arts community. The situation highlights the ongoing struggle for diversity and inclusion within cultural institutions, which are often seen as bastions of progressive values. The Barbican's response to this criticism will be closely watched as a test of its commitment to these values. Additionally, the incident may prompt other cultural institutions to reevaluate their own diversity and inclusion practices, potentially leading to broader changes across the sector.
