The Young Barbican Takeover returns on Sunday 29 March, transforming the Barbican Centre into a vibrant festival hub from 12pm to 6pm.
Curated for and by young people, the one day event spans the Conservatory, Cinema 1 and Foyer spaces, offering workshops, film screenings, live music, crafting and a makers market. A roller disco will also take over the Level -1 Foyer for skaters of all abilities.
The festival invites young Londoners aged sixteen and over to explore the Barbican, meet fellow creatives and take part in sessions led by the collectives shaping today’s arts landscape.
Craft lovers can knit and crochet a collaborative tapestry with Craft Forward, make rosette badges with Material Grrrlz, or join a zine making workshop with Artizine. Throughout the day, the Makers Market in the Level G Foyer will showcase work from London’s artisan community, including ceramics, jewellery and handcrafted zines.
Live music will fill the Level G Studio courtesy of IRL sessions, offering intimate performances via silent disco headphones. Further sets are curated in partnership with Shai Space and Sad Club Records.
Rain Crew will lead dynamic hip hop and activism inspired dance workshops in the Garden Room, alongside an energising drama session from Compass Collective, an arts charity supporting young refugees and asylum seekers. ARCCA will host a practical workshop on how to start your own label or publishing house.
Cinema 1 will present film programmes curated by SplicD Cinema, Ifriqiya Cinema and T A P E Collective, celebrating the African diaspora and women of colour behind and in front of the camera. A full list of films will be announced soon.
In the Conservatory Well, Barbican Young Poets will be joined by guests from across London’s poetry scene for a day of spoken word. Meanwhile, the Conservatory Terrace will become a Conversation Corner where festival collectives host discussions and connect with attendees.
The roller disco, run by Skate Cabal, will offer inclusive Learn to Skate sessions as well as open skating, soundtracked by young DJs from the Roundhouse.
Young Barbican Takeover ticket holders can exchange their tickets for a wristband from 11am, with early arrival recommended for individual sessions.
More information can be found here.
