Nicholas Kenyon
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Kenyon Succeeds Tusa as New Barbican Director

In the wake of the Barbican’s 25th anniversary season launch (See News, 21 Feb 2007), a new managing director has been announced for the the City-based arts venue. Nicholas Kenyon - who is currently controller of BBC Proms, Live Events and TV Classical Music at the BBC - will succeed Sir John Tusa, who retires in August 2007 after 12 years at the helm.

Commenting on the appointment, John Barker, chairman of the City of London’s Barbican Centre Committee said: “Nicholas brings to the role exceptional skills and an excellent knowledge of the arts. He is adept at working with people and has managed the BBC Proms very successfully over the last 12 seasons as well as Radio 3 before that. I am also grateful to Sir John whose contribution to the Barbican and the arts over the last decade is immeasurable.”

Sir John Tusa added: "Nick Kenyon is an old friend and a colleague from the BBC. I’ve no doubts that he’ll do the job extremely well. I am also sure that everyone at the Barbican will give Nick the same amount of support, friendship and cooperation as I have had. The Barbican Centre is at a 25 year high, largely due to Graham Sheffield’s artistic direction. I am confident it will continue to go from strength to strength.”

Kenyon said: “I’m delighted that the City of London Corporation has asked me to take forward the inspiring work of Sir John Tusa, Graham Sheffield and the Barbican team. They have done a fantastic job over the last decade, bringing the Barbican to new heights. The Barbican is a unique and wonderful arts centre, looking better than ever after its refurbishment, and currently full of great events to celebrate its 25th anniversary. Its partnership with the City of London brings creativity and excitement to the Square Mile and to London as a whole, highlighting the vital contribution of the arts to the life of a great city.”

As reported last week, Tusa’s final season at the largest integrated arts centre in Europe includes a new production by newly appointed associate director Deborah Warner, and a site-specific London staging of the National Theatre of Scotland’s production of Gregory Burke's multi award-winning Black Watch.

- by Caroline Ansdell

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