Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and manage exciting Visual Arts events, from private views to receptions.
- Company: Join the Barbican, a vibrant international arts centre in London.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, generous leave, pension scheme, and staff discounts.
- Why this job: Be part of a creative team that shapes unforgettable art experiences.
- Qualifications: Experience in managing visual arts events and strong relationship management skills.
- Other info: Hybrid working environment with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
The predicted salary is between 38080 - 42150 £ per year.
The job requirements are detailed below. Where applicable the skills, qualifications and memberships required have also been included.
Salary: Grade C £38,080 - £42,150 (Inclusive of London Weighting)
Contractual Hours: 35
Basis: Full time, Fixed Term Contract, from 6 July 2026 to 31 May 2028 with the option to review/extend
Workplace category: Hybrid
The Barbican is a multidisciplinary international arts centre in the City of London. Across its theatres, concert halls, cinemas, galleries, business venues, public and community spaces, the Barbican showcases the most exciting artists and performers from around the world, pushing traditional artistic boundaries and helping us understand our lives in new and unexpected ways. Each year, the Centre presents hundreds of different performances, events and exhibitions that entertain and inspire millions of people, create connections, provoke debate, and reflect the world we live in.
Firmly rooted in its neighbourhood, the Barbican collaborates on projects with local communities, and supports young people and emerging talent to develop their artistic practice and access jobs in the creative industry. Barbican Visual Arts produces major exhibitions, solo artist commissions and a public events programme encompassing contemporary and modern art, fashion, design, architecture, performance, film, and photography. We also collaborate with international partners on an exhibition partnership programme. We are committed to delivering a diverse programme that is international, inclusive, and explores pivotal issues and themes of the day while rethinking a received art history.
We are looking for an Events & Relationships Manager to manage our Visual Arts events programme and to work with the Head of Visual Arts and curators on stakeholder management.
About The Role
The Visual Arts Events & Relationships (E&R) Manager will be responsible for leading on the development and management of Visual Arts events including private views, receptions and dinners, as well as developing and supporting other internal and external Visual Arts events when required. Reporting to the Deputy Head of Visual Arts, they will work closely with the Head of Visual Arts and curators on event strategy and relationship management with key stakeholders, including facilitating VIP visits and acting as a point of contact for key patrons and friends.
Key Responsibilities
- To lead on the development and management of Visual Arts opening events (special previews, private views and dinners)
- To plan and oversee event logistics in liaison with internal and external stakeholders to ensure their safe and smooth delivery, including developing and maintaining event schedules and acting as key link with teams including Curatorial, Communications, Development, Centre Management, External Affairs and Front of House
- Event planning including developing, researching and maintaining mailing lists, making recommendations on guests/stakeholder groups, researching key guest profiles, and ensuring information relating to VIP guests is communicated
- To manage the invitation process for events, including creating electronic invitation campaigns and other event communications such as pre-visit information emails, and managing and reporting on RSVPs
- To manage use of event management platform Zkipster, the Barbican Centre event/space booking system Artifax and the contacts management system Spektrix
- To manage event budgets, negotiating with suppliers/venues to obtain value for money, and reporting on outcomes
- To research venues for external events and build relationships with key contacts
- To support relationship management with key contacts including facilitating VIP visits and supporting key stakeholders as required
About You
You will have:
- Extensive experience of coordinating and managing private view and dinner events in the visual arts sector, ranging from small scale to complex
- Strong project management skills
- Experience of high-level relationship management (including artists, gallerists, lenders and funders)
- Experience of supervising and coordinating event staff
- Experience of researching and securing event venues and locations
- Proven experience of managing contact databases and working with IT teams to identify technical solutions/improvements where needed
- Experience of working with departmental budgets, raising purchase orders, managing invoice payments and expenses in line with Procurement rules and requirements
- Experience of learning new systems and processes
For more details, please see the ‘Job Information Pack’.
What We Offer
- Membership of the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS)
- 24 days annual leave plus bank holidays, increasing with service
- Access to City Corporation staff benefits and discounts
- Employee volunteering scheme (up to 2 days per year)
- A vibrant, creative, inclusive workplace at one of the world’s leading arts centres
To apply, please click on ‘Apply Now’ or visit the City of London jobs page. Your supporting statement should be no more than 750 words and clearly demonstrate how you meet the criteria in the person specification, using specific examples. If you have any questions or issues with the application process, please contact the Barbican Careers team at careers@barbican.org.uk. Deadline for applications is 23:55 on Tuesday 14th April 2026. Interviews on 29 and 30 April 2026. Potential Start Date – 6th July 2026.
Please note that we are unable to accept late applications. We regret that we are unable to provide feedback on your application. The City of London Corporation want to ensure that everyone has the opportunity to thrive in the work that we do. The City of London Corporation is currently undergoing a programme ensure that our pay and reward practices are competitive and equitable across the whole organisation – and is committed to regularly benchmarking and reviewing pay against external sectors.
As part of our commitment to increasing the diversity of staff within the Barbican we are particularly keen to encourage applications from people from groups that are currently underrepresented, including people from the Global Majority and D/deaf and disabled people. We want to better reflect and understand the communities we exist to serve. We are members of the Disability Confident Scheme and guarantee to interview all disabled candidates who would like to be considered under this scheme and who meet the minimum essential criteria for the role. Please contact us if you require reasonable adjustments as part of the application process.
Events & Relationships Manager in City of London employer: Barbican Centre
Contact Detail:
Barbican Centre Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Events & Relationships Manager in City of London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the visual arts scene. Attend events, join online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out to industry professionals on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Show your passion! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers or at networking events, make sure to express your enthusiasm for the arts and the specific role. Share your ideas on how you can contribute to their events and relationships – it’ll make you stand out!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching the Barbican and its events. Familiarise yourself with their past exhibitions and current projects. This will not only help you answer questions but also show that you’re genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, keep an eye on our careers page for any new opportunities that pop up. We’re always looking for passionate individuals to join us!
We think you need these skills to ace Events & Relationships Manager in City of London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for the visual arts shine through! We want to see how your experiences and interests align with our mission at the Barbican. Share specific examples that highlight your love for events and relationships in this sector.
Tailor Your Supporting Statement: Make sure your supporting statement is tailored to the job description. We’re looking for clear connections between your skills and the key responsibilities listed. Use the person specification as a guide to showcase how you meet each criterion with relevant examples.
Keep It Concise: Remember, your supporting statement should be no more than 750 words. Be concise and to the point while still providing enough detail to demonstrate your qualifications. We appreciate clarity and focus, so avoid fluff and stick to what matters!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the easiest way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re following the correct process. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team at the Barbican!
How to prepare for a job interview at Barbican Centre
✨Know Your Events Inside Out
Before the interview, dive deep into the Barbican's Visual Arts events. Familiarise yourself with past exhibitions and events they've hosted. This will not only show your genuine interest but also help you discuss how your experience aligns with their vision.
✨Showcase Your Relationship Management Skills
Prepare specific examples of how you've successfully managed relationships in previous roles. Whether it's with artists, stakeholders, or sponsors, be ready to share stories that highlight your ability to build and maintain connections.
✨Master the Logistics
Since the role involves overseeing event logistics, think about your past experiences managing complex events. Be prepared to discuss how you handle challenges, coordinate with multiple teams, and ensure everything runs smoothly.
✨Be Ready for Budget Talk
Brush up on your budgeting skills! Be prepared to discuss how you've managed event budgets in the past, including negotiating with suppliers and ensuring value for money. This will demonstrate your financial acumen and attention to detail.