John Tusa's 'On Board' Explores Arts Governance and Boardroom Dynamics

In his 2020 publication 'On Board: The Insider’s Guide to Surviving Life in the Boardroom' (Bloomsbury Business), John Tusa delves into the dynamics of arts institution boardrooms, informed by his extensive 25-year experience on seven boards, including his role as chairman. A prominent figure in UK arts since the 1980s, Tusa previously led the BBC’s World Service and served as managing director at the Barbican Centre. The book emphasizes the growing significance of governance, citing examples such as the National Portrait Gallery's expansion in the 1990s and the British Museum's 2004 'Great Court' renovation. Tusa, who chaired the University of the Arts London, provides guidance for trustees on selecting directors and overseeing finances, while noting the tension between business oversight and creative freedom amid debates over the influence of wealthy trustees.