Barnsley communities help shape new library installation with international artist Morag Myerscough

Barnsley Libraries have welcomed communities into a series of creative workshops this week, offering the first opportunity to get involved in an exciting new public art installation coming to the Library @ the Lightbox later this year.

The workshops follow the recent announcement that Barnsley Libraries has been selected to take part in The Europe Challenge. Barnsley’s project, It Only Takes One Seed, was one of 60 successful projects out of over 300 applications across 20 countries. Developed in partnership with local charity Creative Recovery, the project has received funding as part of the Europe Challenge to help create a greener, more sustainable future for Barnsley.

Led by internationally renowned artist Morag Myerscough, this week’s workshops marked the start of a collaborative creative process that will culminate in a large-scale installation at the Library @ the Lightbox in the spring.

Over the course of the week, Morag worked with a wide range of participants across Barnsley, including sessions at Creative Recovery, a family Library Lates event at the Lightbox, workshops with local schools, and a special evening Live Arts Café.

During the sessions, participants explored how nature affects them and its impact on the environment, creating powerful messages encouraging action to protect nature. These contributions will directly inspire the final installation at the Library @ the Lightbox, ensuring it reflects the voices, experiences and creativity of the local community.

If you’d like to get involved in the project, please keep an eye out on Barnsley Libraries Facebook page and our events page where we’ll share upcoming sessions and events.

Cllr Wendy Cain, Cabinet Spokesperson for Communities and Public Health, said: “Being part of the Europe Challenge is a great opportunity to do something meaningful with our communities, and these workshops are a brilliant example of how creativity can bring people together, spark inspiration, and encourage important conversations around climate and sustainability. I’m really looking forward to seeing the final installation at the Library @ the Lightbox and the impact it will have for those who visit.”

The installation is an exciting Artist Residency as part of Barnsley Libraries’ National Portfolio Organisation programme, to bring arts and culture to communities across Barnsley. Supported using public funding by Arts Council England.

Morag Myerscough is known for her vibrant, immersive installations that use colour, words and public participation to spark joy and conversation. Her work has appeared in cities around the world, transforming public spaces into places of connection and optimism. To find out more about Morag Myerscough’s work, visit moragmyerscough.com or @moragmyerscough.

The Europe Challenge is a programme initiated by the European Cultural Foundation. It brings together libraries and communities to address Europe's key transitions—social, digital, and green—by implementing creative solutions in their local areas. The 2025/26 edition is kindly supported by public funding through Arts Council England, Fondazione Cariplo, and the Scottish Library and Information Council.

This project is part of Barnsley Libraries’ National Portfolio Organisation (NPO) programme, supported by Arts Council England.