Our partnership with Concrete Youth
At Barnsley Civic, we are proud to partner with Concrete Youth, a pioneering charity dedicated to enriching the lives of individuals with profound and multiple learning disabilities (PMLD) through cultural provision. This collaboration enhances our mission to make the arts accessible to all members of our community.
About Concrete Youth
Concrete Youth is renowned for their innovative work in sensory theatre. Since their inception in 2019, they have reached over 7,500 audience members across five continents. Their touring productions are specifically designed for audiences with PMLD, offering exceptional live sensory theatre experiences. Their outstanding contributions were recognised with the Corporate Vision Best Sensory Education Award for 2023.
What we achieve together
Our partnership with Concrete Youth allows us to:
- Enhance cultural accessibility for audiences with PMLD.
- Create and deliver inclusive, high-quality artistic experiences that resonate deeply with our audiences.
- Encourage a rich cultural dialogue between the vibrant communities of Hull and Barnsley.
- Broaden our artistic offerings and deepen our engagement with diverse audiences.
Concrete Youth’s impact
Concrete Youth is already an associate company of Back to Ours in Hull, highlighting their expanding reach and influence. Their Education and Engagement Department is unique in the UK, offering curriculum-focused, sensory education for people with PMLD. Their offerings include:
- Sensory stories
- Workshops
- Parties
- Story massage sessions
- Training and consultancy for theatres, schools, and care settings
Our shared vision
This partnership aligns with Barnsley Civic’s ambition to become a regional centre of excellence for creating work for audiences with disabilities. Together, we are committed to:
- Encouraging community engagement and participation.
- Providing meaningful cultural experiences.
- Making access to sensory theatre more available.
A Message from the CEO’s
Anthony Baker, CEO and Artistic Director at Barnsley Civic, shares his thoughts: “Having seen firsthand the incredible impact of Concrete Youth’s sensory theatre productions, I am confident that this partnership brings new and enriching experiences to our community. Concrete Youth’s commitment to creating accessible and engaging cultural opportunities for individuals with profound and multiple learning disabilities is truly inspiring. Together, we encourage a more inclusive and vibrant cultural landscape in Barnsley.”
Daniel Swift FRSA, CEO & Co-Artistic Director of Concrete Youth, expressed his excitement about the new partnership: “We are thrilled to announce that we are an associate company of Barnsley Civic. This collaboration marks a significant milestone in our mission to enhance cultural accessibility for audiences labelled with profound and multiple learning disabilities (PMLD). By uniting the vibrant communities of Hull and Barnsley, we are poised to create and deliver inclusive, high-quality artistic experiences that resonate deeply with our audiences“.