At Barnsley Civic, we understand the challenges artists face in accessing the support they need to develop their work. That’s why we’re dedicated to providing opportunities for artists of all genres who live in or work with the Barnsley community.
Our aim is to create pathways for young and emerging artists, offering them the space to cultivate their personal practice and enhance their sector knowledge. As part of our ongoing transformation at Barnsley Civic, we are excited to reinvigorate our approach to working with artists, implementing clear and distinct support systems to better serve the vibrant artistic community in Barnsley.
We work with artists in lots of different ways, but define this work in three categories:
- Creative Socials
- Artist Residencies
- Commissioning
CREATIVE SOCIALS
Join us for our next Creative Social event. This is a fantastic opportunity for local artists to connect, share their work, and expand their creative networks. Come together to exchange ideas, resources, and contacts, vent frustrations, share tips, and offer support.
During the event, we’ll share more about what we do at Barnsley Civic and highlight other opportunities available in the area. Plus, it’s a chance to unwind, have a laugh, and enjoy a Thursday evening with fellow creatives.
Throughout the evening, we’ll provide details about our other artist support programmes. So, mark your calendars and bring your friends along! If evenings aren’t always possible for you, don’t worry—we’ll alternate with lunchtime events too.
Join us on the first Thursday of every month throughout 2025, 6-8pm
Thanks to Barnsley Council and Arts Council England for their continued support.
IN FRAME: Barnsley Young Photographers Award 2025
Barnsley Civic are proud to announce the third annual Barnsley Young Photographers Award, in partnership with Photoworks.
Photoworks champions photography for everyone; commissioning new photography, producing exhibitions and publishing books. They are an international platform, global in reach, and have provided opportunities for artists and audiences since 1995.
Categories & Themes
This year we have three age categories:
- Age 11 – 15
- Age 16 – 21
- Age 21 – 30 (graduates and emerging professionals)
In celebration of the recipients of the fifth edition of the Jerwood/Photoworks Awards, Roman Manfredi and Sayuri Ichida and its tour to Barnsley Civic in Spring 2026, the themes for this year’s Barnsley Young Photographers Award are:
- My Heritage
- My Identity
All submissions should respond to at least one of these themes.
The Barnsley Young Photographers Award is committed to the development of artists aged up to 30 years old, living in, studying in or working in Barnsley.
Prizes
Prizes also include;
- An hour-long on-line mentoring session with Photoworks experts (Age 21 – 30 Graduates and Emerging Professionals)
- Photography book bundle from Barnsley Civic and Photoworks (all awarded artists)
- All awarded artists will have a selection of their work showcased and exhibited at Barnsley Civic in Spring 2026.
- All awarded artists will have a select work exhibited online via the Photoworks.Lab Instagram in Spring 2026.
