Arike Oke, Managing Director departs Black Cultural Archives on 30 October

The board of trustees of Black Cultural Archives (BCA) has today announced that Arike Oke is to step down as Managing Director at the end of BCA's Black Futures Month in October. Arike will remain in an advisory capacity as a member of BCA’s Archives Advisory Group. 

Arike’s successor Lisa Anderson will join BCA as Interim Managing Director on 6 December. Lisa is the multi-talented curator, consultant, and arts facilitator and is currently the Lead in Corporate Partnerships at the Lord Mayors Appeal. In addition, Lisa established the educational platform Black British Art and runs the Lisa Anderson Arts Consultancy.

Lisa Anderson

Arike Oke led the BCA, the home of Black British history, to new heights and established the 2030 strategy with the board, which has contributed to a year-on-year growing surplus for the charity.  

During her tenure as Managing Director, Arike's highlights include: 

- Building back BCA's financial reserves, even during the pandemic period 

- Premiering Black Futures Month 

- Positioning BCA as a major voice in UK heritage and culture 

- Forging new creative and strategic partnerships 

- Creating the Masterplan to reimagine BCA's 1 Windrush Square venue

Arike says,

“I am proud of the achievements of the team, our partners, and friends during my time at BCA and I look forward to joining the wider network of BCA supporters to help BCA reach even higher in the future. The BCA is now in a stronger position to fulfil its mission to preserve, document, and celebrate the histories of people of African and Caribbean descent. From working on a new Black history tube map to unveiling a new statue of Claudia Jones, BCA is likkle but tallawah! The new business plan that the staff team and board have created to underpin the 2030 strategy will see BCA thrive, with a focus on developing audiences, diversifying income, and putting the heritage collections front and centre.”

— Arike Oke

On behalf of the board of trustees Rukayah Sarumi says,

“Arike Oke came to BCA to reinvigorate the charity. She had a strategic vision and put in place a plan that has given BCA a strong foundation on which to build. We thank Arike for her significant leadership as we look forward to the fulfilment of BCA’s mission and vision.”

— Rukayah Sarumi

Lisa says,

“A large part of my adult life has been dedicated to celebrating, empowering and advocating for Black arts, Black histories and work of the Black Cultural Archives in a myriad of ways. I am excited and honoured to join the BCA team at this pivotal time, as the organisation continues to grow and further establish its position as the home of Black British History. I am looking forward to bringing all of my expertise and passion for this work to this leadership position as its Interim Managing Director”

— Lisa Anderson

For further information, please contact Desirée Banugo at: marketing@bcaheritage.org.uk