John Akomfrah and Jasleen Kaur among 200 signatories of letter denouncing Barbican’s decision to remove arts head

More than 200 arts professionals, including artists John Akomfrah, Jasleen Kaur, Isaac Julien, and former Barbican artistic director Graham Sheffield, signed an open letter criticizing the Barbican Centre in London over the departure of Devyani Saltzman. Saltzman, appointed in 2024 as director for arts and participation, said her exit is due to an organizational restructure and that her role will not be replaced; she is due to leave in May. The letter, reported on 20 February 2026, faults the Barbican’s communication and calls for a full public explanation, updated diversity data on senior leadership, and clarity on how the decision aligns with the Barbican’s 2024 “anti-racism action plan.” The Barbican, which draws around 1.5 million visitors annually, said Saltzman is departing following “a phase of artistic and organisational transition” as it prepares to close ahead of a major renovation.

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