‘Storying Barnsley’ is a celebration of the identity and creativity of local communities and artists. Funded by Arts Council England, Barnsley Council’s Cultural Development Fund programme has supported three years of creative activity primarily across the towns of Cudworth, Goldthorpe, Hoyland, Penistone, Royston and Wombwell.
Barnsley Civic will host an exhibition by photographer Sam Batley, titled A Barnsley Story, and an immersive installation from Lenny and Whale, whose Sanctuary of Colour activities engaged audiences around the borough last summer, and a pop up display of the Principal Townscapes designs by local artists.
The Civic is also the place to experience Calling Barnsley, a bespoke phone box where you can hear evocative stories recorded by Barnsley College students.
A Barnsley Story by Sam Batley
7 March – 28 March 2025
‘A Barnsley Story’ by multi-disciplinary artist Sam Batley navigates the town’s arrival in its present identity through creativity, community and heritage. Through the stories of the people who live, work and take inspiration from the place, Sam weaves these varied stories together to offer a contemporary telling of the town.
“I hope this project shows Barnsley in its current light, honouring the town for its past, present and future through film and photography. Offering a snapshot of its landscape and the folk who make the town what it is. This project has taught me so much about Barnsley, it changed my perceptions of the town. Giving a rich experience both creativity and in life, offering an opportunity to delve into my own relationship to the place. Community, creativity and pride shine through, this reflects in my approach and is something that has changed the direction of how I make work.”
– Sam Batley
The project is split between two main outcomes, one being a feature length documentary called ‘The Town I Love So Well’ and a responsive photography project ‘A Barnsley Story’. In the space between these two outcomes, there has been a third unintended outcome. One of personal photographic documentation. Community engagement with organisations and groups that are doing great work across the borough. Meeting unique individuals whose stories have inspired and altered how Sam looks at his own practice.
Sancturary of Colour by Lenny & Whale
7 March – 11 April 2025
Lenny & Whale brought their latest artwork ‘Sanctuary of Colour’ to Barnsley over the summer of 2024.
Made from repurposed and up-cycled hand painted furniture, Sanctuary of Colour created bright, bold and joyful interventions that surprised and delighted, encouraging a smile for those who experienced it.
The artwork toured locations across the borough’s six Principal Towns, including town squares and green spaces from mid-July through to late August 2024.
Alongside the installations, Lenny and Whale in collaboration with musician Nicholas Lewis, led music and art activities inspired by the artwork. The activities were suitable for all ages and abilities and offered a chance to explore the themes of colour, recycling and creativity.
