Previous programmes

• Develop your passion for visual arts with expertise from artists,  curators, sector leaders and Barbican staff
• Learn how to devise a learning programme
• Develop a community of peer support with people who share your interest in the arts
• Develop your art-making and critical skills
• Gain experience in organising and curating an exhibition or event at the Barbican
• Build confidence in your voice and opinions about your passion
• Gain invaluable knowledge of work across a range of roles in the arts sector

• Be mentored and supported by some of the most creative and innovative people working in the visual arts. Past mentors and guests have included Priya Jay, Abbas Zahedi and Adam Farah.
• Manage and curate an exhibition or event by the end of the programme.
• Build a network of young creatives.
• Participants meet in person or online 2-3 times a month from October to May. These sessions will include regular group workshops and meetings, as well as artist-led activities and event-planning sessions with the Barbican Marketing, Digital, Curatorial and Production teams. Towards the end of the programme, the number of meetings increases as the group prepares its exhibition or event.

• Aged 16-29
• Have a passion for the visual arts
• Be open-minded, enthusiastic, ready to try something new and challenge yourself
• Willing to explore what it means to be an active member of a creative community
• Be committed to the programme
• No need for prior qualifications
• Barbican Young Visual arts Group aims to include and represent a diversity of approaches and voices. We particularly encourage applications from people who are from groups under-represented in the arts sector, and consider applicants’ ethnicity, disability, gender, and socio-economic backgrounds.

Applications for 22/23 have now closed.

• Note: you are welcome to submit a film/audio recording of your answers to the four questions which ask you to talk about yourself and why you would benefit from this programme in the form
• If you have any other special access requirements relating to the application process or programme, please get in touch! Email [email protected] with ‘Barbican Young Visual Arts Group’ in the subject line

You must be a Young Barbican member to apply. Sign up now for free to Young Barbican. 

If there is a financial reason that would prevent you from participating in this programme, we have a bursary fund available that can assist in covering the cost of travel, childcare, Wi-Fi or other costs that would prevent your application or participation.

Download the bursary scheme guidance

Download the bursary scheme guidance in large print

The Barbican Young Visual Arts Group 2022-23 programme will run at the Barbican Centre: two to three Wednesday, 6:30- 9:30 pm, from 12 October 2022 – 10 May 2022, with longer Saturday sessions at certain points. The first session will be  Wednesday 12 October 2022.

Present your work at an Exhibition or Event at the Barbican Centre: Saturday 13 May /Sunday 14 May 2023 (all day).

Evaluation and feedback session: Wednesday 17 May 2023.

• Irrespective of government guidance or wider Barbican Centre policies at the time, we strongly encourage mask-wearing if participating in-person, unless you are exempt. Face masks, hand sanitiser, and sanitising surface wipes will be available, and spaces ventilated. We encourage people to be mindful before encroaching on others’ personal space and to stay home if you feel unwell/test positive for Covid.
• Please read the Barbican’s Essential Safety Information page for further information.
• The programme will take place wholly online if there is a lockdown or be adapted if increased social distancing measures are required.