London's Barbican Centre at 30 ~ Creating the arts centre of the future

1. Art Knowledge News - Written by Randolph Newhall Monday, 12 March 2012 

   

   LONDON.- A utopian vision for the arts when it opened its doors to the public in March 1982, the iconic Barbican Centre remains at the forefront of the arts as it celebrates its 30th anniversary . With a world-class arts and learning programme spanning and often combining theatre, art, architecture, design, film, music, opera and dance, the Barbican pushes the boundaries of all major art forms for its diverse audiences. To mark this milestone, the Barbican today looks to major future developments, and announces programme highlights from its 2012-13 season. As our venues expand and the Guildhall School’s major new Milton Court building with its concert hall and studio theatres opens in 2013, we are looking forward in our ambition to create a vibrant cultural quarter in the heart of the City of London. This creative hub of performance and learning will combine the continued strength of our partnerships with our associates and collaborators, to create huge opportunities for the future.
   
   
   The headline projects, announced today, are as follows: 
   • Step Into The Dark – opening season for new Barbican Cinemas – a two-month-long, multi-season, cross-arts programme which will explore themes of dystopia, tragedy and surrealism through seven film programmes. 
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      • Major new photography exhibition – surveying photography of the 1960s and 1970s from an international perspective, International Photography of the 1960s and 1970s will include renowned photographers from across the globe, all working during two of the most memorable decades of the 20th Century. Featuring a pantheon of leading figures of modern photography including David Goldblatt , Boris Mikhailov and Bruce Davidson, this exhibition tells a history of photography, through the photography of history.
      
      • Rain Room – a cutting edge new commission by Andom International for The Curve will create a space of perpetual rainfall, through which visitors can wander freely without getting wet.
      
      • Unleashed – an urban tale for the Theatre’s main stage featuring the inspirational talent of Boy Blue Entertainment’s Da Brats and Blues, with 300 of the Barbican’s young artists including poets, drummers, filmmakers and musicians working with a professional theatre team.
      
      • Barbican Weekender – a popular staple of the Barbican calendar, the Weekender returns in November celebrating the influence of digital technology on the arts.
      
      Barbican Art Gallery, London
      From acclaimed architects, to Turner prize-winning artists, Barbican Art Gallery presents major exhibitions by leading international figures. See some of the best exhibitions in the heart of the City of London, including a dynamic mix of architecture, design, fashion and photography. Visit : http://www.barbican.org.uk/
      

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