Salman Rushdie Leads Cultural Protest Over Barbican Arts Director's Sudden Departure
Author Salman Rushdie has joined a coalition of prominent cultural figures in expressing profound disappointment and alarm over the imminent departure of Devyani Saltzman, the Barbican Centre's Director for Arts. The open letter, signed by numerous global creative leaders, criticizes the decision to eliminate Saltzman's position just two years after her celebrated appointment.
Concerns Over Diversity and Transparency
The letter, authored by a group of global majority creative and cultural leaders and allies, raises serious questions about the Barbican's commitment to sustaining diverse leadership at the highest levels. It states that Saltzman's appointment in February 2024 was met with great fanfare, making her sudden departure particularly troubling.
This decision affects one of the very few leaders of South Asian and racially diverse heritage in the Barbican's history, the letter reads. To characterize it as merely an internal matter is inadequate and dismissive for a major public cultural institution funded for the people of this city and country.
Five Demands to Barbican Leadership
The signatories have presented five specific requests to the Barbican Board and the City of London Corporation, its principal funder:
- Full explanation of the process behind Saltzman's removal
- Independent review of careers for global majority leaders at the Centre
- Publication of up-to-date diversity data for senior leadership and governance
- Future senior recruitment designed in partnership with racially minoritized communities
- Transparent communication about organizational changes affecting leadership roles
Historical Context and Recent Changes
The controversy emerges against a backdrop of previous allegations about the Barbican's institutional culture. In 2021, staff told The Guardian about alleged racism at the Centre, leading to former Managing Director Sir Nicholas Kenyon's resignation and promises of reform.
This apparent removal of a South Asian woman cultural leader so soon after her appointment sits uneasily with those commitments, the letter continues. It sends a troubling message to racially minoritized artists, producers, and audiences who saw her appointment as a rare and hopeful sign.
Prominent Signatories and Institutional Response
Beyond Rushdie, the letter boasts signatures from internationally acclaimed artists including:
- Nitin Sawhney, Ivor Novello Lifetime Achievement Award winner
- Anoushka Shankar, Grammy-nominated composer
- Numerous other writers, directors, and cultural figures
A Barbican spokesperson confirmed they cannot comment on confidential staff matters but noted that the Director for Arts position no longer exists due to organizational change. The Local Democracy Reporting Service has verified the letter's authenticity with one of its signatories.
Leadership Turmoil and Future Plans
Saltzman's departure continues a pattern of leadership changes at the Barbican. Former Artistic Director Will Gompertz left after two years in 2023, while Chief Executive Claire Spencer departed in 2024 after a similar tenure. New Chief Executive Abigail Pogson joined just weeks before Saltzman's departure was announced.
The controversy unfolds as the Barbican prepares for major redevelopment. The City of London Corporation has committed £191 million for repairs and upgrades, with the Centre needing to raise an additional £40 million. The venue will close for twelve months starting June 2028 as part of this overhaul, with construction hoped to begin in 2027 and complete by 2030, ahead of the Centre's 50th anniversary.
Saltzman, who previously held senior positions at major Canadian arts institutions, had recently unveiled a new creative vision for the Barbican before her unexpected departure announcement. Her exit in May 2026 leaves questions about the institution's direction and commitment to the diversity reforms promised in recent years.
