The Barbican Centre
Head of Cinema
Organization
Opened in 1982 and located in the heart of the City of London, The Barbican Centre (the Barbican) is Europe’s largest multi-arts venue and one of the world’s leading cultural institutions. As a catalyst for creativity, sparking possibilities for artists, audiences, and communities, the Barbican offers dynamic programming that spans music, theatre, dance, film, immersive experiences, and visual arts, alongside innovative learning and community engagement initiatives.
The Barbican showcases the most exciting art from around the world, pushing traditional artistic boundaries, and helping people understand their lives in new and unexpected ways. Each year it presents thousands of different performances, events, and exhibitions that entertain and inspire millions of people, creating connections, provoking debate, and reflecting the world. Programming ranges from classical concerts to avant-garde exhibitions, cutting-edge theatrical productions, and groundbreaking film festivals.
Designed by architects Chamberlin, Powell, and Bon, the Barbican is a striking example of Brutalist architecture and houses a large concert hall with nearly 2,000 seats, two theatres, three cinemas, and the Barbican Art Gallery. As the home of the London Symphony Orchestra and a London base of the Royal Shakespeare Company, the Barbican regularly co-commissions, produces, and showcases the work of associates and partners, including the Academy of Ancient Music, BBC Symphony Orchestra, Boy Blue, Britten Sinfonia, Cheek by Jowl, Darbar Festival, Doc’n Roll Film Festival, Drum Works, EFG London Jazz Festival, Human Rights Watch Film Festival, London Palestine Film Festival, National Open Youth Orchestra, Serious, and Trafalgar Theatre Productions.
The Barbican’s Cinema department offers a diverse range of cinema programming, including new releases, classic films, and special events, across three state-of-the-art venues. Cinema 1 seats 284 people and is equipped with cutting-edge technology, ensuring an exceptional viewing experience for large screenings and immersive events. Cinemas 2 and 3 each have 153 seats and are used for smaller screenings, live broadcast events, experimental films, and special programs. Its cinema venues also host various initiatives such as parent and baby screenings, senior community screenings, and relaxed screenings to cater to different audiences.
Guided by the values of creativity, inclusion, and community, the Barbican is committed to fostering a diverse and equitable environment across all its programmes, including its cinema offerings, and strives to create spaces where people from all backgrounds feel welcome and valued. Rooted firmly in its neighbourhood, the Barbican cultivates educational initiatives and collaborates with the community to create joyful celebrations. Through its Creative Learning program, the Barbican engages with over 30,000 participants annually, fostering creativity in schools, supporting emerging artists, and providing opportunities for people of all ages to connect with the arts. Notable projects include partnerships with community groups that aim to make the arts accessible to underrepresented audiences. Additionally, its Young Barbican scheme provides discounted access to cultural events for young people aged 14–25.
The Barbican employs a professional staff of approximately 300 individuals and is governed by the Barbican Center Board, which is a committee of the City of London Corporation. The city serves as the owner, founder, and principal funder of the Barbican, and it ensures that the Barbican’s operations align with the city’s wider cultural strategy. With an annual operating budget supported by a mix of public funding, philanthropic contributions, and earned revenue, the Barbican remains committed to enriching London’s cultural landscape and serving as a beacon for artistic excellence worldwide.
The Barbican Cinema Department’s total revenue for FY25 is expected to be approximately £1.56 million, with £1.4 million from ticket sales, £70,000 from advertising, and £95,000 from fundraising. Total expenses, including salaries, front of house operations, events costs, and overheads, are £1.58 million.
Community
Widely regarded as one of the greatest cities in the world, London is a global cultural, economic, and historical hub. Situated along the River Thames, London seamlessly blends its rich history with a dynamic and innovative present. Its iconic landmarks include Buckingham Palace, the Tower of London, and the British Museum, alongside modern architectural marvels like The Shard and the London Eye. London’s parks, such as Hyde Park and Hampstead Heath, provide expansive green spaces, offering residents and visitors ample opportunities for outdoor activities.
With a population of nearly nine million residents, London is one of the most diverse cities on Earth. Over one-third of its residents were born outside the United Kingdom, creating a vibrant tapestry of cultures, languages, and traditions. The city’s culinary scene reflects this diversity with thousands of restaurants serving cuisines from every corner of the globe.
London is also a global leader in arts, culture, and education. It is home to world-renowned institutions such as The National Gallery, Tate Modern, The British Library, and the West End theatre district. Music and performing arts thrive in venues such as Royal Albert Hall and the Southbank Centre. Education and research also form a critical part of the city’s identity with institutions like Royal College of Art, Royal Academy of Dance, Royal Central School of Speech and Drama, and Royal College of Music inspiring creativity and artistry with the University of London, Imperial College, University College London, and The London School of Economics & Political Science driving innovation across industries.
London’s neighbourhoods, from the bohemian streets of Camden to the historic lanes of Greenwich, offer distinct experiences, each with its own character and charm. The city is celebrated for its commitment to inclusivity and equity, being a historic leader in LGBTQ+ rights and social justice movements. London’s annual Pride parade, Notting Hill Carnival, and other community-driven events reflect its dedication to fostering an open and welcoming atmosphere for all.
Sources: visitlondon.com; london.gov.uk; ons.gov.uk.
Position Summary
The Head of Cinema will lead the development and delivery of a dynamic cinema strategy that reflects the Barbican’s strategic framework with core principles to inspire, connect, and provoke debate. They will also be part of realizing a newly implemented Artistic Vision (2025–30) which has a strong focus on creating a holistic curated arts programme across all disciplines. Reporting to the Director for Arts and Participation, the Head of Cinema will lead and oversee the curation of an eclectic, diverse programme of international cinema, both curate and first-run, with a focus on film viewing as a meaningful, transformative, and joyful event, through its commitment to film viewing as a collective, in person experience. The Head of Cinema will be committed to new and emerging talent, the variety of cinema cultures from around the world, past and present, and marginalised creative voices, which the Barbican puts centre stage. The Head of Cinema will provide support and mentorship to the cinema team, stay ahead of trends in audience engagement and presentation, and explore opportunities for commissioning and touring Barbican-curated film programmes. As part of the Management Team, the Head of Cinema will actively contribute to the organization’s strategic goals and maintain a commitment to exceptional customer service.
Role and Responsibilities
Creative Leadership and Programming
- Lead and oversee the curation of a distinctive and international cinema programme which is aligned with the organisation’s brand values and vision.
- Develop and implement the Cinema E=Department’s programming strategy which incorporates talks and events that enhance audience impact, in collaboration with the Director for Arts and Participation.
- Research and respond to evolving trends in the film industry, including consumption methods, technological innovations, and distribution models.
- Collaborate with other art form programmers and integrate the Cinema Department into the Barbican’s arts programming while creating room for cross-artform synergies and developing larger projects.
- Broaden learning and participation opportunities while partnering with the Creative Collaborations team.
- Cultivate sponsorship and support opportunities with potential corporate sponsors and partner organizations and festivals.
- Embrace other creative leadership and programming responsibilities, as needed.
Management and Operational Excellence
- Ensure efficient and effective cinema operations, supporting and mentoring colleagues and partners, and demonstrating knowledge of cinema venue operations and technical requirements.
- Lead and motivate a high-performing team, ensuring appropriate staffing, management systems, and adherence to City of London Corporation policies, championing the values of the Barbican Cinema and the Barbican.
- Maximise income from cinema-related programs, related events, commercial uses, and ticket sales.
- Collaborate with the Cinema Projection to ensure technical services meet the needs of cinema events and ensure appropriate capital and maintenance needs are identified and costs are determined.
- Prepare and manage department budgets, providing financial reports and scenario planning as needed.
- Embrace other management and operational excellence responsibilities, as needed.
Relationship Building and Compliance
- Build and maintain relationships within the cinema sector, including distributors, festivals, and organisations, while representing the Barbican at relevant external key festivals and industry events.
- Ensure compliance with the City of London Licensing Committee for unclassified films and attend Licensing Committee meetings.
- Partner with the Development Team to identify and cultivate an array of fundraising and sponsorship opportunities.
- Collaborate with the Audience Experience & Marketing teams to ensure timely program sales and appropriate marketing strategies.
- Support the Business Events Team to maximize cinema rental income.
- Ensure adherence to the Barbican’s risk management systems and work closely with external partners and teams across the Barbican to ensure they are informed and regularly updated about any cinema events that carry risk.
- Strategize with the Senior Manager of Cinema to continue to build and develop accessible cinema programmes.
- Embrace other relationship building and compliance responsibilities, as needed.
Traits and Characteristics
The successful candidate will be a well-networked individual in the cinema sector with strong negotiating and influencing skills, meticulous attention to detail, and excellent time management. They should demonstrate self-motivation, initiative, and a calm, professional approach to collaborative decision-making.
Other key competencies include:
- Diplomacy and Appreciating Others – The ability to effectively and tactfully handle difficult or sensitive issues, while identifying and caring about others.
- Leadership and Personal Accountability – The capacity to organize and influence people to believe in a vision while creating a sense of purpose, while being answerable for personal and professional actions.
- Employee Development, Mentoring, and Coaching – The dexterity to facilitate, support, and contribute to the professional growth of others.
- Change Management and Flexibility – The acumen to understand, address, and resolve conflict constructively, while readily modifying, responding, and adapting to change with minimal resistance.
Qualifications
The Head of Cinema will have significant experience curating cinema programmes, seasons, and new release programming, coupled with an extensive knowledge of the current local and global film landscape cinema history. They will bring a deep understanding of changing trends in film consumption, audience experiences, and distribution models, as well as the ability to balance creative vision with commercial needs. With experience managing change at a senior level, and delivering and managing budgets with strong financial acumen, the Head of Cinema will have the ability to build effective, mutually beneficial relationships across departments within the Barbican and throughout the City of London Corporation. A commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion is critical, as well as experience working on family and accessible programmes. No specific number of years of experience or specific educational credentials are required.
Compensation and Benefits
The Barbican offers a competitive and equitable compensation and benefits package including an annual salary range of £63,910 to £72,390. Benefits include 28 days annual holidays plus Bank Holidays, time off to volunteer, financial support, and time off for professional skills training, and as an employee of the City Corporation, access to a range of exclusive discounts and privileges. All employees will automatically be admitted to the City of London Corporation’s Pension Scheme. A relocation package will be offered if the candidate is not based locally.
Applications and Inquiries
To submit a cover letter and resume with a summary of demonstrable accomplishments (electronic submissions preferred), please click here or visit artsconsulting.com/opensearches. For questions or general inquiries about this job opportunity, please contact:
Geoff Chang, Vice President
43 Bedford Street, Suite 613
London, WC2E 9HA, England, U.K.
Tel +1 323.721.0141
Email TheBarbican@ArtsConsulting.com
As a purpose-driven organisation, the Barbican’s values inform its work as well as its everyday decisions. The Barbican wants to ensure that creativity, inclusion, community, and enterprise are an essential part of the Barbican. By underpinning everything it does with its organisational values, by being inclusive, connected, sustainable, and daring, and by approaching its work in a joyful way, the Barbican hopes that being part of the Barbican community will become a positive, life-enhancing experience for everyone.
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