We’re delighted to announce that Barnsley Civic has been awarded £805,165 as part of Arts Council England’s Creative Foundations Fund.
As Barnsley largest independent cultural charity, this funding will support improved free-to-access public spaces, deliver vital repairs and provide greater accessibility.
It will enable the creation of a beautiful new community cafe and bar space for our revived Eldon St entrance and will also open up more than 8000 sq. ft of unused ground floor space, finally reopening part of the building that has been sitting, unused under our main theatre for nearly 20 years, helping us create a new 600 plus capacity music and events venue.
Barnsley Civic has been programming cultural activity for the people of Barnsley for 148 years. This funding will ensure that we can continue to do so for decades to come.
This is just the first stage of our CIVIC150 plans. This ongoing programme of capital works and heritage engagement will celebrate our past 150 years and help to build a vision for our future. Over the next two years, as we look towards our birthday in Jan 2028, look out for a vibrant programme of talks, exhibitions, workshops and performances highlighting our hidden histories and asking all the folk of Barnsley to get involved with building our shared future.
Our CEO & Artistic Director Dan Winder said,
“It is wonderful that the Arts Council has put its trust in us to deliver on our plans for a revived and renewed Barnsley Civic. Over the next two years we will work tirelessly to develop the CIVIC150 vision, ensuring that we make the most of this opportunity to restore our historic home and that we work with all of Barnsley communities to build a future for this vital community cultural hub that everyone can share in.”
