Claudia Kenyatta has been announced as the new Chair of the Board at Battersea Arts Centre.
Claudia is currently Director of Regions at Historic England, the Government body which helps people to understand, enjoy and care for heritage. Before joining Historic England, Claudia spent two decades in central government, with senior roles in arts, heritage and museums policy, corporate strategy and performance at the Department for Culture, Media and Sport and the Cabinet Office. Alongside her new role at BAC, Claudia is a Trustee of the Black Cultural Archives.
Claudia Kenyatta says: This is an incredibly exciting time to be joining Battersea Arts Centre. I have been a huge admirer of BAC’s boldness, its artistic vision and its unique relationship with the local community for a long time. BAC holds a special place in people’s hearts, and the organisation’s new vision for the coming years will place them right at the centre of the community, giving more power to young people and local networks. I will be joining an exceptionally talented team of fellow trustees and staff members, and I cannot wait to build on the incredible legacy of previous chairs, David and Justin.
Tarek Iskander, Artistic Director and CEO of Battersea Arts Centre, says: I am really thrilled that Claudia will be joining us. We are at a pivotal moment at BAC, as we embark on ambitious new plans to radically evolve our youth, community and artistic programmes. BAC is blessed with a highly skilled and diverse board who are a huge part of our work: they and the rest of BAC’s team are feeling really energised by the extensive expertise, new perspectives and natural leadership qualities that Claudia brings. I can’t wait to start working with her, as we embark on this exciting new chapter. I’d also like to extend thanks to brilliant previous Chair David Bryan, and our interim Chair, Justin Shinebourne. They helped lead BAC through critical periods, providing invaluable support and guidance.