This exhibition showcases the creative outcomes of a project exploring themes of safety within Barnsley’s LGBTQIA+ community. Led by local artist Lucy Dewsnap (Bearsuit) the project brought together participants from across the borough for a series of six creative workshops. Through poetry, collage, textiles, ceramics and photography, individuals were invited to respond to questions about where and when they feel safe and what a safer, more inclusive Barnsley might look like. The workshops provided an open and supportive space for reflection, expression and connection, with participants encouraged to work in whichever medium felt most natural or inspiring to them.
As the sessions unfolded, discussions around safety evolved organically. From the importance of community and lighting in public spaces, to the personal significance of flags and symbols seen across neighbourhoods. Many participants reflected on their lived experiences of navigating Barnsley as LGBTQIA+ individuals, drawing from moments of pride and solidarity as well as feelings of vulnerability. The artworks presented here capture these deeply personal insights, revealing both the challenges and the resilience of a community seeking safety, visibility and belonging.
Safe Spaces, Friendly Faces is a creative consultation project as part of Barnsley Council’s Plan for Neighbourhoods scheme.
