Our programme

Artistic vision

Photo of Station to Station smoke installation on the Barbican Lakeside

We inspire more people to discover and love the arts. 

We attract new arts audiences and participants, creating inspiring arts experiences for all. From first encounters to higher education programmes, we develop interests, skills, confidence and careers.

We work with outstanding artists to create an innovative international programme that crosses art forms, collaborating with organisations from around the globe to give audiences opportunities to experience outstanding work by acclaimed international companies and artists.

We celebrate the artists of today and invest in those of tomorrow. We work with artists at every stage of their career, supporting and fostering opportunities for exciting new talent as well as promoting the work of world-class artists. Our ambitious cultural partnerships will offer outstanding creative opportunities for every young person across eight east London boroughs.

We deliver this through:

  • Collaborating with partners to achieve our ambitions
  • Building a creative destination for our many audiences
  • Creating a programme that can exist within and beyond our walls
  • Supporting and developing our talented team

The City of London Corporation is the owner, founder and principal funder of the Barbican Centre.

Our policies

This Ethics Policy sets out our approach to making ethical decisions. 

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It is implicit in the Barbican’s vision of 'Arts Without Boundaries' that we seek not only to produce bold and challenging arts and learning programmes but also that we consider how we can actively ensure that our work is accessible to all. To do so, we have developed an ambitious five-year Equality and Inclusion Strategy.

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