Barnsley Civic secures funding to enhance community engagement and empower young people
Barnsley Civic, a creative and passionate National Portfolio Organisation (NPO) supported using public funding by Arts Council England, is thrilled to announce the receipt of four grants totalling more than £30,000 to further its mission as a creative and contemporary arts centre.
These grants will allow Barnsley Civic to expand its work, particularly with young people, while continuing to offer vital creative programmes for diverse groups across Barnsley.
The grants will support a range of initiatives, from developing young writers and performers to providing a safe and inclusive space for community groups. Barnsley Civic remains dedicated to ensuring that its programmes reach a broad and diverse audience, creating opportunities for creativity, personal growth, and meaningful community engagement.
One of the key grants, from The National Lottery Community Fund, which distributes money raised by National Lottery players for good causes and is the largest community funder in the UK, will support two youth-focused projects.
The first, Teenage Wildlife, invites young people aged 13 to 16 to explore teenage experiences over the past 70 years and turn them into a live performance. The second initiative will establish the Barnsley Civic Youth Panel, giving young people aged 14 to 24 a direct role in shaping the future of Barnsley Civic by advising on programming and marketing strategies.
Other grants include the Better Barnsley Bond, which will fund the Barnsley Young Writers programme in partnership with Hive South Yorkshire, and the Hays Travel Foundation, which will support in-school creative writing workshops for young people. Barnsley Civic also received support from Creative Minds to continue running Civic Pride Singers, an inclusive choir that provides a safe space for LGBTQIA+ adults to connect and express themselves through music.
The focus on young people across these grants reinforces Barnsley Civic’s commitment to encouraging creativity among future generations. Through creative writing workshops, theatre projects, and active participation in decision-making, Barnsley Civic is building a platform for young voices to be heard and supported.
Jason White, Creative Engagement Manager at Barnsley Civic, commented:
“These grants are a fantastic opportunity for us to continue and expand our commitment to community engagement, especially for young people. Whether it’s through writing, performance, or having a say in what happens here at Barnsley Civic, we’re passionate about giving young people a platform to express themselves creatively.
“At the same time, we’re able to support other vital community groups, such as the Civic Pride Singers, who offer a safe and inclusive space for LGBTQIA+ adults. With this funding, we can ensure that Barnsley Civic remains a vibrant, inclusive hub where people of all ages and backgrounds can come together to create, learn, and grow.”
As one of South Yorkshire’s leading arts venues, Barnsley Civic continues to prioritise accessibility, inclusivity, and community impact through its diverse range of programming. These grants will help the Civic build on its reputation as a place where high-quality, relevant, and engaging creative experiences can thrive and reach more people than ever before.
