Authentic Leadership & Cultural Innovation with Tarek Iskander of Battersea Arts Centre
Episode 75
03 February, 2025

In this episode, we hear from Tarek Iskander, the trailblazing Artistic Director and CEO of Battersea Arts Centre (BAC). Tarek’s journey to the arts is anything but conventional—before taking the helm at one of London’s most progressive cultural spaces, he held senior roles in the NHS and co-founded the Yard Theatre in Hackney. Originally from the Middle East, where theatre was banned, Tarek’s path to becoming a champion of bold, political, and community-driven art is both powerful and deeply inspiring.

At BAC, Tarek leads with a mission-first mindset, shaped by his experience in public health. Under his leadership, the organisation has navigated extraordinary challenges, including transforming into a vaccine hub during the pandemic and adopting a “pay-what-you-can” model to increase accessibility. We explore how Tarek redefines what it means to lead a cultural institution—supporting experimental and politically charged work while staying grounded in the needs of the local community.

In our conversation, Tarek shares how he creates space for risk-taking and encourages others to embrace vulnerability in leadership. He reflects on the importance of trusting artists to speak boldly, the power of youth voices, and why it’s crucial to foster environments where people can challenge norms and question received wisdom. Whether it’s commissioning radical performances or dreaming up the world’s largest international youth creativity festival, Tarek is passionate about using the arts to drive genuine social change.

What’s striking about Tarek’s story is how he merges creativity and strategy with heart and purpose. His leadership is not about perfection—it’s about persistence, belief, and working tirelessly to make your ideas impossible to ignore. He reminds us that the arts are not just for reflection but for transformation, and that stepping into the unknown is often where the real breakthroughs happen.

Whether you’re an arts leader, creative practitioner, or someone who believes in the power of culture to shape the world, Tarek’s insights offer a blueprint for how we can lead with intention, take bold action, and stay true to our values—no matter the obstacles.

What We Learned from Tarek Iskander

1. Mission must come first
   Tarek shows us that being values-driven isn’t a limitation—it’s a strength. His work at BAC centres on bold, accessible, and political art that serves the community and pushes the conversation forward.
2. Take the leap before you feel fully ready
   Tarek encourages creatives and leaders alike to apply for the opportunity, even if you don’t meet every single requirement. With preparation and purpose, you can shape the path ahead and make your vision undeniable.
3. Create space for the unsayable
   True innovation comes from dialogue and vulnerability. Tarek stresses the need to question accepted wisdom and give space for voices that aren’t usually heard—especially young and marginalised voices.
4. The arts can—and should—drive change
   Whether transforming a venue into a vaccine hub or opening doors to radical performance, Tarek’s work is a reminder that cultural institutions can be forces for deep and lasting social impact.

Listen to the full episode and discover how Tarek Iskander is redefining what creative leadership can look like.