Misan Harriman to Step Down as Chair of Southbank Centre

Misan Harriman will step down as chair of Southbank Centre in autumn 2026 at the end of his current term.

The London institution confirmed that Harriman had informed the board in January 2026 that he would not seek a third term, with succession planning already underway. Harriman has served as chair since 2021.

The announcement follows several weeks of public scrutiny over Harriman’s social media activity. Posts relating to the attack in Golders Green and comments made after the UK’s local elections attracted criticism from some media outlets and public figures, while others, including artists and cultural figures, publicly expressed their support. More than 100,000 people also backed a campaign defending Harriman.

Known for documenting the Black Lives Matter movement and becoming the first Black photographer to shoot the cover of British Vogue, Harriman has overseen the Southbank Centre during a period that included its 75th anniversary celebrations and major exhibitions and festivals across its visual arts and performance programme.