Sir John Tusa in conversation with Devyani Saltzman: The State of the Arts Today
Audley invites you to an exclusive breakfast conversation exploring the evolving landscape of the arts in the UK and beyond.
Join us as Sir John Tusa, renowned broadcaster, journalist, and former Managing Director of the BBC World Service, sits down with Devyani Saltzman, Director for Arts & Participation at The Barbican, to discuss the future of culture, creativity, and public engagement.
At a time when cultural institutions face growing pressures, the debate around funding intensifies, and questions of access and artistic diversity come to the forefront, this conversation will explore the realities shaping the arts today. From the disparity between London and the regions to the impact of international influences, Devyani will share insights from her extensive experience, including her work abroad. The discussion will also examine the implications of the Arts Council England review announced by the Culture Secretary, considering how policy decisions could shape the sector’s future.
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Sir John Tusa
Sir John Tusa is one of the UK’s most distinguished broadcasters and arts leaders. He served as Managing Director of the BBC World Service from 1986 to 1992, leading the organisation through a critical period of transformation. He later became Managing Director of the Barbican Centre (1995–2007), championing artistic innovation and public engagement. Over those years he sat on the boards of the National Portrait Gallery, English National Opera, the Turquoise Mountain Foundation and the British Museum. He chaired the Wigmore Hall Trust, the Advisory Committee to the Government Art Collection and the Court of Governors of University of the Arts London. A passionate advocate for the arts, Sir John has written extensively on cultural policy, leadership, and the challenges facing creative institutions – most recently in his book Bright Sparks: How Creativity and Innovation can Ignite Business Success. Sir John is a Senior Advisor at Audley Advisors.
Devyani Saltzman
Devyani Saltzman is a writer, curator, and cultural leader with extensive experience in both the UK and North America. Currently serving as Director for Arts & Participation at The Barbican, she is responsible for shaping the institution’s public engagement strategy and fostering meaningful artistic collaborations. Before joining The Barbican, she was Director of Public Programming at the Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO) in Toronto and was instrumental in shaping its thought-leadership initiatives. Devyani is also the author of Shooting Water, a critically acclaimed memoir reflecting on identity and creativity. With a career spanning literature, visual arts, and public discourse, she brings a global perspective to the evolving conversation around arts access, funding, and cultural policy.