The Stage

Barbican records 13% increase in attendance for 2008/9

Published Tuesday 29 December 2009 at 11:05 by Alistair Smith

The Barbican Centre has announced that 2008/9 was a record year for the arts venue with overall attendance up by 13% on the previous year.

According to the centre, its ticket sales now number around 1.2 million annually and 2008/9 saw a particular increase in cinema and art gallery attendance.

Barbican Centre managing director Nicholas Kenyon said: “At the Barbican we are committed to creating the model of tomorrow’s arts and learning centre, offering a world-class programme which will inspire, challenge and amaze our audiences. All the more important during an economic downturn, the arts and culture have a new role and sense of purpose in society. Whether you’re looking for inspiration, education or entertainment in these challenging times, the arts provide it. Our audiences value and enjoy what we offer: in delivering such an ambitious programme, the generous support of the City of London and our other private and public funders has been invaluable.”