The Barbican Centre Board is scheduled to convene on Wednesday, 29 April 2026, with a key focus on appointments and strategic leadership. The meeting's agenda includes the election of a new Chairman and Deputy Chairs, alongside discussions on the composition and terms of reference for the Board's sub-committees. Additionally, the extension of the current Chairman's term is to be considered, particularly in light of the upcoming Barbican Renewal project.

Election of Chairman and Deputy Chairs

The Board will consider the election of a Chairman and two Deputy Chairs. This process is governed by Standing Order No. 28 and No. 29, which outline the procedures for these appointments.

Appointments to the Board's Sub-Committees

A report from the Town Clerk details the proposed appointments to the Board's sub-committees: the Finance & Risk Committee and the People, Culture & Inclusion Committee. The report outlines the recommended composition and terms of reference for both committees for the civic year 2026/27. It is proposed that the Chairman and one of the Deputy Chairs will serve on both sub-committees. The Finance & Risk Committee will also include a representative from the Barbican Centre Trust and up to four other Board Members, with a requirement for City of London Corporation Members to form a majority. The People, Culture & Inclusion Committee will comprise up to five other Board Members, with the stipulation that at least one External Member must be appointed. The Board will also be asked to elect Chairs for each of these sub-committees.

Extension of the Current Chairman's Term

The Board is to consider a report recommending the extension of the current Chairman's term of service by one year. This proposal is made on an exceptional basis to provide leadership continuity during the critical Barbican Renewal period, which includes a planned closure for works from June 2028 to 2029. The extension would allow for a smoother transition of leadership, coinciding with the Barbican's 50th anniversary. This recommendation requires the waiving of Standing Order No.28 (2) and will be put forward to the Policy & Resources Committee and subsequently the Court of Common Council for approval.

Board Appointments

Consideration will be given to the reappointment of Zulum Elumogo, an External Member of the Barbican Centre Board, for a further three-year term. Mr. Elumogo has served two three-year terms and is eligible for a final term, which would conclude in April 2029. The Board's terms of reference allow for up to eight External Members, each serving for a maximum of three three-year terms, with an overall service limit of nine years.

CEO Report

Abigail Pogson, CEO of the Barbican Centre, will present a report summarising the Centre's programming and events in Q4 2025/2026. The report highlights a period of consolidated delivery and strategic momentum following the arrival of a new permanent CEO in January 2026. It details achievements across various art forms, including visual arts exhibitions, music performances, theatre and dance productions, and cinema programming. The report also notes robust commercial and partnership activity, and the formal approval of the Barbican Renewal Programme, which includes significant upgrades to accessibility, sustainability, and conservation. The report also references the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, Lisa Nandy, visiting the Barbican Centre.

Sub-Committees' Minutes

The Board will receive draft public minutes from recent meetings of its sub-committees. These include the Finance and Risk Committee meeting held on 9th March 2026 and the People, Culture & Inclusion Committee meeting held on 10th March 2026.

Order of the Court of Common Council

The Board will receive an Order from the Court of Common Council dated 23rd April 2026. This document outlines the constitution, quorum, membership for 2026/27, and terms of reference for the Barbican Centre Board. The constitution details the required composition of the Board, including elected Members from the Court of Common Council, non-Common Council representatives, a representative from the Policy & Resources Committee, and the Chair of the Barbican Centre Trust. It also specifies the election of a Chair and two Deputy Chairs, and a maximum service limit for all Members. The terms of reference define the Board's responsibilities, including strategic direction, management, operation, and maintenance of the Barbican Centre, as well as the appointment of the Chief Executive Officer.