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Year 9 BTEC Performing Arts students took part in a Creative Careers Day at the Barbican Centre this week, as part of HBAED Careers Week.

The day started with students touring the impressive 1970s brutalist concrete building to get a feel of the variety of spaces on offer, including theatres, concert halls, cinemas, art galleries and gardens.

They then visited the current Interactive Artificial Intelligence exhibition, which explored AI from classical golem characters to today’s development of facial recognition data and robots which can copy your every move. Aibo, the robotic dog (pictured), was a big hit with our students and Jordy would definitely have liked to take him home.

Meeting Barbican employees

Students then met with a panel of young Barbican Arts Centre employees (including Patrick O'Sullivan, Technical Apprentice, below centre) who discussed their roles within the organisation ranging from creative learning assistant, involved with leading tours and helping to run workshops, to technical support, marketing and theatre assistants.

Their message was to be determined and follow your dream, especially if you want to act or perform yourself. Working in an inspirational and well-connected arts environment can be an invaluable stepping stone as well as a career in its own right, they said.

“I was impressed to learn that the UK arts industry is one of the fastest growing in our economy today and there are good opportunities," said Joshuah, Year 9.

Job shadowing

Two departments, Theatre and Audience Experience, then hosted our students for the remainder of the day. The boys shadowed members of staff within the departments, asking questions and producing video bites explaining the work of each department, the variety of roles within them, and the skills and possible training needed for different jobs. These will be used by the Barbican Marketing department.

For Peter the highlight of his day was being shown around the theatre and seeing the set being built. “It was amazing!”, he said.

The Audience Experience Department ensures that all visitors to the centre have a safe and enjoyable visit. Our students interviewed the Box Office Manager, security team, premises staff and even saw the resident gardener and bee keeper in her protective suit!

“I learnt about so many different jobs, rather than just the usual ones,” said Shakquone.

If you’d like to see what the Barbican Arts Centre has to offer, sign up online for the free Young Barbican scheme which gives 14–25 year olds discounted access to fantastic art and entertainment as well as exclusive events and creative opportunities.

Ms Mead