Claire Spencer AM

A leading voice in the arts sector, Claire Spencer has over 20 years’ experience in the creative industries. A champion for the arts, both in Australia and internationally, Claire has contributed to the success of the world’s most high-profile and respected arts organisations, including the Sydney Opera House, Arts Centre Melbourne and Barbican Centre, London.

Claire began her career in the financial sector, working as an auditor for Ernst & Young and Singel Optus/Cable & Wireless before transitioning into the arts industry in 2003 to join the executive team at the Sydney Opera House. Claire’s extensive tenure at the Sydney Opera House included the roles of Chief Operating Officer, Chief Financial Officer and Chief Information Officer. In 2014, Claire was appointed Chief Executive Officer of Arts Centre Melbourne, where she led the strategy and operations of the seven venues and two state collections. In 2022, Claire was invited to become the first Chief Executive Officer of the Barbican Centre in London, leading the company through the Covid recovery and sculpting the values and goals to secure the future of the Barbican Centre with commercial and philanthropic support.

In 2020 Claire’s outstanding contribution to the arts and community was recognised when she was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia. Claire has recently been elected to the Live Performance Australia (LPA) Executive Council and appointed as a member of the Strong Cultural Infrastructure Expert Panel, contributing to the development of the new National Cultural Policy.

Claire joined The Australian Ballet in 2025, bringing her passion for innovation and collaboration alongside her expertise in business management and sustainable growth to ensure the future of Australia’s national ballet company.