Former CEO of the Barbican Centre, Claire Spencer, was awarded the Freedom of the City of London at Guildhall, in recognition of her leadership of the iconic Brutalist multi-arts and education venue.
During her two-year (2022- 2024) term helping the city-corporation-owned Barbican Centre reopen and re-establish itself following the Pandemic, Claire brought leadership and focus to its Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion agenda.
Claire progressed the Centre’s Barbican Renewal Programme, a vital plan to secure the future of the internationally renowned, grade-II listed site. She was instrumental in securing the recently announced £191m contribution from the City of London Corporation for critical repairs and upgrades – around 80% of the total needed to deliver the first phase of the long-term vision for the Centre.
Claire was nominated for the Freedom by former Lord Mayor of London and Chair of the City Corporation’s Barbican Centre Board, Sir William Russel, and its former Chair, Tom Sleigh.
Previously CEO at Arts Centre Melbourne between 2014 and 2022, Claire led the Centre through the pandemic and positioned it at the heart of a new AU$1 billion arts precinct at Melbourne’s Southbank. Prior to that, she held a series of roles at Sydney Opera House, culminating in Chief Operating Officer.
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In Australia, Claire helped establish the Arts Wellbeing Collective, a consortium of arts and cultural organisations working together to promote positive mental health and wellbeing in the performing arts. In the 2020 Australia Day Honours List, she was conferred a member of the order of Australia for her work in the performing arts.
Speaking after her ceremony at Guildhall, Claire said: “I was born and bred in London, before my career took me half-way around the world and back. It is an honour to be recognised in this way, which is also a recognition for the whole Barbican team.”
Policy Chairman of the City of London Corporation, Chris Hayward, said: “Throughout her tenure, Claire demonstrated exceptional leadership marked by compassion and understanding. She was totally committed to achieving the highest standards for both the Barbican and the City Corporation, while maintaining a strong focus on inclusivity. The award of the Freedom is often given to recognise an individual’s outstanding achievement and in Claire’s case, her legacy is her contribution towards the Barbican’s plans for renewal and continued success.”
As one of the City of London’s ancient traditions, the Freedom is believed to have begun in 1237 and enabled recipients to carry out their trade. It is offered by the City of London Corporation to individuals as a way of paying tribute to their outstanding contributions to London or public life, or to celebrate a very significant achievement.
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