Announcing Our New CEO: Bridget Banton
We are thrilled to announce that Bridget Banton will be joining us at the Bernie Grant Arts Centre as our new Chief Executive Officer. Bridget’s appointment comes at an exciting and pivotal time as BGAC approaches its 20th anniversary, and we look ahead to Haringey’s year as London Borough of Culture in 2027.
Bridget’s career spans over 25 years and includes transformative roles in television, publishing, digital media, and youth culture. She has held senior leadership positions at organisations such as Channel 4, BBC, Penguin Random House, and Nike Foundation’s Girl Effect, all of which have shaped her deep understanding of storytelling, creative leadership, and building meaningful partnerships.
As a strategic and creative leader, Bridget brings invaluable expertise in championing diverse voices and fostering collaboration, all important values that align closely with Bernie Grant’s legacy and the Centre’s mission. She is eager to collaborate with our community, artists, and partners to continue strengthening BGAC’s impact, supporting Black artists, and expanding our reach in Tottenham, London, and beyond.
On joining Bernie Grants Art Centre as CEO, 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. Over my career
I’ve worked across sectors, geographies and platforms, forming partnerships that bring
different communities and creative disciplines together. I hope to bring that experience to
the Bernie Grant Arts Centre and build upon the legacy already in place.
“I believe the future of creativity lies in co-creation and collaboration: rooted in community,
operating across disciplines, and embracing technology and innovation. Presenting itself in a
hybrid offering that traverses physical spaces and digital platforms, where people can meet
in real life, share ideas, experiment, grow – and most importantly create. The Bernie Grant
Arts Centre is one of those rare spaces: rooted in Tottenham and born from its community
and culture, yet connected to a wider, global creative ecosystem.
“Bernie Grant was a trailblazer whose vision still feels fresh. 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, commented on Bridget’s appointment,
“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. Just as we at BGAC already have.”
Bridget’s leadership comes at a crucial time for us as London’s leading Black-led combined arts venue. We are a space born from, and for, the community fostering artistic expression, social change, and creative exploration. With her wealth of experience, Bridget is poised to lead the Centre through its next exciting chapter.
Please join us in giving Bridget a warm BGAC welcome as we look forward to an exciting new era of creativity, community, and collaboration.