Leading the Future of Film: Head of Cinema at the Barbican

Shaping a Dynamic Cinema Strategy

The Barbican seeks a visionary Head of Cinema to spearhead the development and implementation of a cutting-edge cinema strategy. This role is pivotal in bringing to life the newly established Artistic Vision (2025-30), which emphasizes a holistic and curated arts experience across all disciplines. Reporting to the Director for Arts and Participation, this leader will champion film viewing as a transformative and collective cultural experience.

Curating an Eclectic and Diverse Program

At the heart of this role lies the curation of a vibrant and diverse international film program, encompassing both curated selections and first-run releases. The ideal candidate will champion emerging talent, celebrate global cinema cultures, and amplify marginalized voices. This commitment will ensure the Barbican remains at the forefront of cinematic innovation and inclusivity.

Mentorship, Innovation, and Collaboration

Beyond programming, the Head of Cinema will provide invaluable mentorship to the cinema team, staying ahead of audience engagement trends and exploring new avenues for commissioning and touring Barbican-curated film programs. This individual will actively contribute to the organization's strategic goals as part of the Management Team, ensuring exceptional customer service and fostering a culture of innovation.

Operational Excellence and Financial Acumen

Managing efficient cinema operations is paramount. This includes overseeing staffing, budget management, and ensuring alignment with City of London Corporation policies. The Head of Cinema will maximize income generation from cinema-related programs and events, navigating the complexities of technical requirements and capital investments.

Building Bridges Within the Film World

The successful candidate will be a highly networked individual within the cinema sector, adept at building and nurturing relationships with distributors, festivals, and other key organizations. Representing the Barbican at industry events, this leader will forge partnerships and advocate for the organization's unique vision.

Fostering a Thriving Cinema Culture

Collaboration is key. The Head of Cinema will work closely with various Barbican teams, including Development, Audience Experience & Marketing, and Business Events, to ensure impactful programming, effective marketing strategies, and maximized revenue generation.

Leadership Qualities and Expertise

The ideal candidate will possess strong negotiating skills, meticulous attention to detail, and exceptional time management. A commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion is crucial, alongside experience with accessible programming. A deep understanding of the evolving film landscape, including distribution models and audience engagement trends, is essential.

Compensation and Application Details

The Barbican offers a competitive compensation package with a salary range of £63,910 to £72,390, along with a comprehensive benefits package. For a full description and application instructions, please visit https://artsconsulting.com/opensearches/the-barbican-centre-seeks-head-of-cinema/.

"The Barbican believes in the power of cinema to inspire, connect, and provoke debate. We seek a leader who shares this passion and can translate it into a vibrant and impactful program." - [Insert quote from Director for Arts and Participation or relevant individual if available]