Barnsley’s new Culture Strategy sets out ambitious ten-year plan

Barnsley’s new Culture Strategy goes to Full Council for approval next Thursday 26 March. The ten-year strategy sets out, through six key objectives, how Barnsley will amplify existing cultural activities and make them thrive. 

Nearly 1,000 Barnsley residents have helped shape the Culture Strategy. We spoke to young creatives, community leaders, volunteers, and town centre shoppers. They told us that creativity is already happening, and the Culture Strategy need to help it grow and succeed. They said, “we’ve got talent in our hands – always have.” 

The vision throughout the Culture Strategy is that Barnsley’s cultural identity is powered by the passion of its people. It’ll be a place where creativity is lived, shared, and celebrated across every community. 

Six key objectives will help Barnsley achieve this vision: 

• Creative identity and enterprise – positioning Barnsley as a town of makers and a hub for creative enterprise 
• Celebration and festivals – put festivals back on the streets to ignite pride and connection 
• Storytelling and cultural voice – telling Barnsley stories that stick, locally and nationally 
• Place and wellbeing – boost civic pride and improve health through culture in everyday life 
• Inclusive and accessible spaces – create opportunities in urban centres and green spaces 
• Sector resilience and leadership – fuel ambition to create a confident, collaborative sector 

The strategy also sets out the structures, governance, and funding required to make culture thrive in Barnsley. It sets out culture as an investment in Barnsley’s economy, skills, wellbeing and identity. It encourages collaboration, and blends public, private and community-led approaches. A Culture Strategy Steering Group, led by the creative sector, communities, the council, and key partners, will create action plans to deliver the strategy. 

Cllr Robin Franklin, Cabinet Spokesperson for Regeneration and Culture, said: “Barnsley has a rich heritage of making, creativity and resilience.

"This ambitious strategy gives us a framework and vision for the next ten years, to help that culture grow. Culture benefits our borough in so many ways, from supporting health and wellbeing and attracting investment, to creating jobs and raising our national reputation.

"We want culture to be a part of daily life everywhere in our borough, from the busy town centre to our parks and neighbourhoods.” 

The publication of the strategy will also support our bid for Barnsley to become UK Town of Culture 2028.   The UK Government's new competition is designed to strengthen local pride and identity, drive inclusive economic growth, expand access to high-quality cultural experiences and encourage collaboration across cultural, civic, and community sectors. The winning town will receive £3 million to deliver a transformational cultural programme. Winning UK Town of Culture 2028 would be an opportunity to recognise and build on the wealth of creativity already happening right across the borough. It would be a chance to bring together every part of our cultural landscape to stage an inspirational cultural programme for all residents, businesses and visitors to take part in.