Barbican Business Events has reflected on its 2026 International Women’s Day activity, following a 10-day internal program designed to bring colleagues and partners together through shared experiences, creativity and wellbeing.
The initiative, titled Give To Gain, ran from March 5th and featured a series of events across the Barbican Centre in London. The program focused on encouraging collaboration and connection while highlighting the role of community within the workplace.
Barbican program centres on connection and shared learning
The Barbican Women program was developed in collaboration with teams across the organization. It combined networking opportunities, workshops and cultural experiences.
Colleagues participated in a range of activities designed to encourage interaction. These included a clothing swap and donation drive, as well as creative sessions such as collage and scrapbooking.
Meanwhile, organisers also introduced wellbeing-focused activities. A boxing session and a sound bath provided opportunities for participants to try new experiences while supporting both physical and mental wellbeing.
As a result, the programme created multiple entry points for engagement across different interests and working styles.
Cultural programming supports engagement
The Barbican’s arts program played a central role throughout the initiative.
Participants attended a private viewing in the Art Gallery and Conservatory. The event featured work by Beatriz González and was hosted in collaboration with City of London’s W.I.N. network.
In addition, a Breakfast and Poetry session featured a reading from Barbican Young Poets alumna Ishita Uppadhayay. This event combined creative expression with informal networking.
Therefore, the programme integrated cultural experiences with professional engagement.
Focus on wellbeing and workplace inclusion
The Give To Gain theme emphasised the value of sharing time, skills and support.
Activities such as the sound bath encouraged reflection, while the boxing session focused on confidence and movement. Meanwhile, creative workshops supported self-expression and collaboration.
At the same time, Barbican Business Events used the program to reflect on the wider role of event spaces.
The team continues to work with organisers to improve representation across panels and programmes. In addition, it promotes inclusive design choices that influence how attendees experience events.
As a result, the initiative aligns with broader efforts to support equity and belonging within the events industry.
Barbican Business Events strengthens community approach
Although the program centred on International Women’s Day, its impact extends beyond a single moment.
Barbican Business Events continues to support initiatives that promote diverse voices and community engagement throughout the year.
The Give To Gain concept highlights a simple principle. When individuals share knowledge and support, collective outcomes improve.
Therefore, the programme reinforces the organisation’s long-term focus on collaboration and connection.
Leading venue combines arts and business events
The Barbican remains one of the world’s leading arts and conference venues.
Opened in 1982, the centre hosts conferences, performances and exhibitions across multiple spaces. These include theatres, galleries and conference suites that accommodate a wide range of events.
The Business Events team brings together expertise from the arts, creative learning and corporate sectors. This approach allows organisers to design events that combine content, creativity and engagement.
As a result, the Barbican continues to position itself as a destination for both cultural and business experiences.
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