Barbican Women's Network by Faith Austin

BARBICAN WOMEN MISSION STATEMENT

faithaustin91 — 2023-01-24 12:02:16 UTC

We will create safe spaces for all women across the organisation to come together, connect and support each other.
We commit to lobbying for women’s issues within Barbican, galvanising support for policy change.
We strive to create opportunities for personal and professional development.
In all of our work, we will prioritise intersectionality and we will work closely with the Global Majority Network and all forthcoming Networks.
Our ultimate measure of success is that women who work at the Barbican feel safe, like they belong and that their voices are heard.

MEET THE TEAM - FAITH

faithaustin91 — 2023-01-24 12:02:29 UTC

Hello! My name is Faith Austin, and I am the Co-Chair of the Women's Network. I am also the Technical Production Manager in Creative Collaboration.

Outside of work, my life revolves around my dog. I love walks in the woods with the dog, watching movies and probably too many TV shows. I must admit it, I am a coffee and wine snob, and I love a natter over a glass of either!

The reason I joined the Network is because, simply, I believe in gender equality. Unfortunately, we live and work in a world where that currently does not exist. I want that to change, so I will do what I can about it with the resources I have, and in-turn, hopefully empower others to do the same. I want to ensure that we strive for a more welcoming and equitable place for us all to work.

OUR ACHIEVEMENTS!

faithaustin91 — 2023-01-24 12:10:49 UTC

We've held 5 events including Happening Screening; with all proceeds going towards Support Abortion Now, two Pensions and Pinot workshops with Natasha Turner; a Wellbeing session with Helen Fiddler and a Curator Tour of Carolee Schneemann: Body Politics Exhibition in the Barbican Gallery.
We have been hosting our monthly coffee mornings and cocktail/mocktail hours which have been incredible opportunities to meet you all and to break the silos.
We now have over 80 members!
We have been involved in various recruitments across the centre, helping to hire with an inclusion focused lens.
We have launched a Breastfeeding room for parents to use when they return to work.
Lobbying for the Taxi Policy
Advising on the Zero Tolerance Policy
Growing collaboration with the Global Majority, Disability and LGBTQAI+ Networks
Opening and setting up the new Network Office.

MEET THE TEAM - SONIA

faithaustin91 — 2023-01-24 12:11:48 UTC

My name is Sonia Zadurian and I’m a curator in the Cinema team. I’m also the Finance Lead for the Barbican Womens’ Network. As a child, I was always preoccupied with things being fair, honest and equal. As a teenager, I didn’t always have the confidence to speak up, but these are priorities which I carried through into adulthood. It seems the older I get, the less I’m able to keep quiet when something is unfair, dishonest or discriminatory. I joined the Network because I want to help to make the Barbican a safer, happier and fairer place. I want to lobby for policies and practices that will make the Centre more equitable. I also want to create a space for women to connect, share knowledge, form friendships and discuss important topics and issues. I fully believe that we are all stronger together.

MEET THE TEAM - EVE

faithaustin91 — 2023-01-24 12:12:07 UTC

Howdy, I'm Eve - the co Wellbeing and Access Lead for the Barbican Women Network. In my day-to-day role I am the PA to the CEO.

I got involved with setting up the Barbican Networks as I believe that everyone should be able to bring their true, authentic self to work without fear of discrimination or judgement. To me, equality in the workplace is non-negotiable, and I want to help foster an environment where people can thrive and feel supported. I also used to work in a psychiatric hospital, so mental health support and wellbeing are high on my priority list!

When I'm not at work I'm a huge yogi, foodie and animal lover! I also have a massive guilty pleasure for The Real Housewives (thanks lockdown!) so I'm always looking for other shameless binge-watchers. I'm extremely chatty and caring so please drop by for a cup of tea and catch-up at any time. <3

MEET THE TEAM - FRANCESCA

faithaustin91 — 2023-01-24 12:12:41 UTC

Hello! I'm Francesca, the Events Lead for Barbican Women and an Account Manager in the Business Events team. I started at the Barbican mid-lock down in the Development team and joined the Events team at the start of the year.

I'm committed to advocating for gender equality, addressing discrimination, working collaboratively, and thinking intersectionally. I joined the Network to nurture a community for women, non-binary people and allies, and drive positive change.

Outside of work, you'll find me collecting houseplants, borrowing other peoples' dogs or eating and drinking my way around London. Hope to see you at the bi-monthly coffee mornings / cocktail evenings where I'll be with a dirty martini in hand. These are great opportunities to connect, share feedback on the Network, and chat to us about the issues that matter to you.

OUR FIVE AREAS OF WORK!

annadominian — 2023-01-24 12:27:08 UTC

- Wellbeing

- Working Parents and Carers

- Personal and Professional Development

- Community

- Safety

WHAT WE ARE WORKING ON...

faithaustin91 — 2023-01-24 12:30:04 UTC

PARTNERSHIP AGREEMENT: This is an agreement between the Networks and Barbican to determine how we can support one another and work cohesively together for a better and more inclusive workplace.
INTERNATIONAL WOMEN'S DAY: We are planning a celebratory event and a programme of activities for staff.
MENOPAUSE AWARENESS AND SUPPORT: We are planning to launch a campaign, in collaboration with our colleagues who have experienced working with menopause.

MEET THE TEAM - ANNA

faithaustin91 — 2023-02-23 09:12:18 UTC

Hello my name is Anna, I’m an Assistant Producer in the Theatre and Dance team and the co-chair of the Barbican Women Network. I’m also well into knitting, environmentalism, cooking (preferably with wine and music) and dancing – I spend a lot of my time at gigs and festivals.

I’m motivated to be a part of the cultural shift at the Barbican, bringing us together, breaking down the silos and create a stronger, more connected and more equitable workplace. Small steps lead to big changes, let’s take them together!

Hope to see you soon at our events and if you do have any questions or suggestions, my inbox is open, so please feel free to pop me a line personally.

GET IN TOUCH

faithaustin91 — 2023-02-23 09:26:33 UTC

BARBICANWOMEN@BARBICAN.ORG.UK

MEET THE TEAM - LOTTE

faithaustin91 — 2023-02-23 10:18:32 UTC

Hello! I'm Lotte, the Comms Lead for Barbican Women. I’m also a curator in the Barbican’s Art Gallery team. I recently curated an exhibition focused on the feminist artist Carolee Schneemann (opening in the Barbican’s art gallery on Level 3 in September 2022). Many of Schneemann's artworks and performances were engaged with women’s bodily autonomy, and I’ve learned a huge amount from her! In my own work and life, I’m committed to advocating for gender equality, addressing discrimination, working collaboratively, and thinking intersectionally. When I’m not at the Barbican, you’ll find me in another gallery/museum, in my garden, eating/drinking, singing in the feminist choir F*choir and/or occasionally on a dancefloor.

OUR WONDERFUL LOTTE IS CURRENTLY ON MATERNITY LEAVE!