The Barbican Centre Board's meeting on 29 April 2026 was scheduled to cover a range of governance and operational matters, including the election of its Chair and Deputy Chairs, the approval of previous minutes, and the appointment of members to its sub-committees. The meeting also included reports on the Centre's activities and future plans, such as the CEO's report and discussions around the Barbican Renewal project.

Election of Chair and Deputy Chairs

The Board was scheduled to elect a Chairman in accordance with Standing Order No. 28. Additionally, the election of one Deputy Chair (City Corporation) and one Deputy Chair (External Member) was planned, following Standing Order No. 29 and the Board's terms of reference respectively.

Approval of Board Minutes

A key item on the agenda was the approval of the public minutes and non-public summary of the Barbican Centre Board meeting held on 28 January 2026.

Sub-Committees and Appointments

The Board was set to receive draft public minutes and non-public summaries from its Finance and Risk Committee and its People, Culture & Inclusion Committee, both of which met on 9 and 10 March 2026, respectively. Following this, the Board was scheduled to consider reports from the Town Clerk regarding appointments to its sub-committees and other board appointments.

A report concerning the extension of the current Chairman's term was also scheduled for consideration. This report recommended waiving Standing Order No. 28 (2) to extend the current Chairman's term by one year on an exceptional basis. This extension is intended to provide leadership continuity during the significant Barbican Renewal period, which includes a planned closure for works from June 2028 to 2029, and to facilitate a smooth transition for the Barbican's 50th anniversary. The report noted that this would be a temporary measure, with Standing Order No. 28 (2) continuing to apply to future Chairs.

CEO Report

The Board was scheduled to receive a report from the CEO, Abigail Pogson, detailing the Barbican Centre's programming and events in Q4 2025/2026. The report highlighted a period of consolidated delivery and strategic momentum following the arrival of a new permanent CEO in January 2026. It outlined achievements across various art forms, including major exhibitions in Visual Arts, new initiatives in Creative Collaboration, and advancements in Barbican Immersive. The report also detailed successes in the Music, Theatre & Dance, and Cinema programmes, as well as robust commercial and partnership activities. The report noted the formal approval of the Barbican Renewal Programme in March 2026, which includes comprehensive upgrades to accessibility, sustainability, and conservation. The report also mentioned a visit from the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, Lisa Nandy, to announce national investment in cultural organisations.

Barbican Exhibition Halls and Renewal

A joint report from the Chamberlain, City Surveyor, and CEO, Barbican Centre, was scheduled for discussion regarding the Barbican Exhibition Halls. Additionally, a report from the CEO concerning the Barbican Renewal Drawdown Request was listed for discussion.

Other Reports for Information

The Board was also scheduled to receive several reports for information, including the Order of the Court of Common Council dated 23 April 2026, the Programming & Events Risk Register, and a Report of Action Taken by the Town Clerk.

Exclusion of the Public

A motion was proposed to exclude the public from the meeting for certain items, citing the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in Part 1 of Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972. This would allow for the discussion of non-public and confidential reports.

Non-Public and Confidential Matters

Under Part 2 (Non Public Reports), the Board was scheduled to consider non-public minutes from its meeting on 29 January 2026. It was also to receive draft non-public minutes from the Finance and Risk Committee and the People, Culture & Inclusion Committee. A presentation on Becoming a Fundraising Organisation by the CEO was scheduled for discussion. Further non-public reports included a Non-Public CEO Report, the Barbican Exhibition Halls report, and the Barbican Renewal Drawdown Request.

Under Part 3 (Confidential Reports), the Board was scheduled to consider confidential minutes from its meeting on 29 January 2026. Confidential reports on Barbican Staffing and Facilities Management were also listed. Finally, draft confidential minutes from the People, Culture & Inclusion Committee meeting on 10 March 2026 were to be received.