Whether working as an executive or someone in an entry level position within the industry, the last few years have been tough for everyone in the performing arts sector. Which much of the world experiencing numerous and very sudden lockdowns, arts venues have been challenged to keep doing what they are doing, while adapting and pivoting to the numerous adversities they have faced to staying open. Arts Centre Melbourne is one such organisation I would argue has done it right from the start, engaging with the Victorian arts community to ensure a program of online content and socially distanced events (when possible) where on offer to the general public.
Having been at the helm of Arts Centre Melbourne for more than seven years, including the entirety of the COVID-19 pandemic, it was today confirmed that CEO Claire Spencer AM has submitted her resignation and will be another Australian Arts Leader taking to the world stage as the first ever CEO of London’s Barbician Centre.
During her tenure as CEO, Claire has: embedded the organisational values of Equity, Leadership, Community, Care More and Creativity; delivered the Australian Music Hall of Fame in the ground-breaking Australian Music Vault; spearheaded the creation of the sector-wide mental health initiative, the Arts Wellbeing Collective now comprising 400 partner organisations; completed the $40m replacement of the State Theatre Flying System during COVID closure; navigated the pandemic response and recovery over a two-year period, including returning live performance to Victoria with Live at the Bowl; and secured government support for the multi-million dollar Reimagining Arts Centre Melbourne.
Media Release
A global search for a new CEO of Arts Centre Melbourne is now underway, with Ms Spencer to depart ACM on 14 April 2022.
Claire’s legacy is in her leadership and extraordinary focus in steering the organisation to financial sustainability, embedding a values-led, people-first culture, setting a strategic commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion, and in being the unstoppable driving force behind the transformative renewal project, Reimagining Arts Centre Melbourne. Her trademark resilience, tenacity, passion and her commitment to her team, the sector, and the community we serve as Victoria’s arts centre is a mark of her outstanding leadership.
Ian Carson AM – President of Victorian Arts Centre Trust
When I look back, my mind turns always to the amazing, passionate, wildly creative and talented Arts Centre Melbourne team who supported me throughout my tenure and took many leaps of faith as we followed our ambitious agenda. We have achieved so much together, too much to single out any highlights. I leave a team and an organisation with equity, opportunity, care and community at its heart – realising a vision to be all it can be – a gathering place, where all Victorians feel welcome, and where they belong.
I came to Melbourne to be embraced by a philanthropic community and a government that cherished the intrinsic value of the performing arts to a thriving Victoria. Words cannot express my gratitude to them, our wonderful Trustees and all our partners, supporters and collaborators. I will never be a stranger to Melbourne – but now it is time to head north for our next adventure.
Claire Spencer AM – Outgoing CEO of Arts Centre Melbourne
I am delighted that Claire is to head-up the Barbican team as CEO. She brings a brilliant reputation as an arts venue administrator and a track-record in the sector that is second to none. Her leadership on equity, diversity and inclusion issues in previous roles was a significant additional factor in the recruitment panel’s clear endorsement.
Ton Sleigh – Chair of the City of London Corporation’s Barbican Centre Board
