Local artists working with Barnsley Libraries for creative community projects

We’re thrilled to announce two exciting art projects this summer, which will see local artists working with our Barnsley Libraries service to create artwork that celebrates local creativity, community involvement, and the environment.

Louise Ann Wright, an eco-conscious artist from Barnsley, has been appointed for a new creative project at Darfield Library, beginning in August and running until Green Libraries Week in October. There’ll be a series of workshops for the community to get involved with and explore nature and sustainability through art – from growing plants in the new community garden and turning these into natural pigments, to sketchbooks and nature journaling.

Louise studied at Barnsley College and has an MA in Fine Art. Her work has been exhibited nationally and she was recently profiled in Country Life magazine for her sustainable artwork and creative use of home-made natural art materials. A public celebration event will be held at Darfield Library during Green Libraries Week to showcase the work created during the project.

Meanwhile, Emily Greenman, a local artist creating under the name Studio Fizz, has been selected by Dodworth residents through a public vote to lead a commemorative project at Dodworth Library as it celebrates its 60^th anniversary.

Emily will work with various community groups to create a large-scale fabric mural inspired by Dodworth’s heritage, which will be displayed as an interactive exhibit in the library this November.

Emily lives in Dodworth and is known for her joyful, whimsical work that brings a sense of wonder to everyday life.

These projects are part of Barnsley Libraries commitment as a National Portfolio Organisation to supporting local artists, culture, and encouraging creativity in our communities through our libraries. They also support the borough-wide Love Where You Live programme, which empowers our communities and brings people together, and reflect the values of Let’s Create, Arts Council England’s 10-year strategy to make sure creativity is at the heart of every community.

Cllr Wendy Cain, Cabinet Spokesperson for Public Health and Communities, said: “We’re incredibly proud to see talented local artists working alongside our communities through Barnsley Libraries. Projects like these not only celebrate creativity and culture, but also strengthen the connection between people and the places they live. I’m really looking forward to seeing the artwork that’s created through these workshops and collaborations.”

Further workshops and celebration events will be listed on our events page.

Both commissions are funded through Barnsley Libraries’ status as an Arts Council England National Portfolio Organisation (NPO), using public funding from Arts Council England.