The Bernie Grant Arts Centre (BGAC) has appointed Bridget Banton as its new Chief Executive Officer, just ahead of its 20th anniversary and Haringey’s designation as London Borough of Culture in 2027.
With a 25-year career spanning television, publishing, digital media, and youth culture, Banton has held senior roles at Channel 4, Paramount, BBC, Penguin Random House, Nike’s Girl Effect, and founded Dear Creative Gurl consultancy.
She is known for championing diverse and emerging voices, transforming television commissioning, and shaping multi-platform storytelling for young audiences.
Her sector contributions include BAFTA Membership Council, trusteeship of the London Museum, and an RSA fellowship.
As London’s only Black-led combined arts venue, BGAC is a cultural landmark in Tottenham, championing Black creativity and addressing inequality through community engagement and the arts.
Addressing the immense need in Haringey—where over 39 % of children live in poverty—Banton’s leadership will expand programming, strengthen community roots, and build sustainable income to secure BGAC’s future.
Bridget succeeds Azieb Pool, who stepped down earlier this year after six years leading BGAC through profound change.
On her appointment, Bridget Banton said:
“The Bernie Grant Arts Centre is more than just a venue: it’s a space where creativity, community and culture intersect. To be invited to lead this next chapter in its story as the CEO, feels humbling – and a real privilege.
“My background as a creative leader is in media, content and storytelling, but the common thread has always been purpose: serving and connecting with audiences… I believe the future of creativity lies in co-creation and collaboration… rooted in Tottenham and born from its community and culture, yet connected to a wider, global creative ecosystem…. I look forward to working with the team to keep his light burning strong, and to collaborating with partners and audiences who share our values: in Tottenham, across London, around the nation and within the diaspora.”
Geoffrey Williams, Chair of Trustees at BGAC, commented:
“Bridget is a force of nature. Throughout the process, we felt she brought the energy and focus that Bernie Grant Arts Centre needs to thrive as a modern and sustainable arts and community centre… As she takes ownership of steering this charity into its next chapter, I am excited to see the vision she brings and how the community rallies around her.”
More information can be found here
