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New display at Cooper Gallery celebrates creativity of older adults across Barnsley
The Shared Horizon exhibition will be on display in the Cooper Gallery’s Sadler Room corridor from Saturday 28 February until Sunday 26 July 2026. Shared Horizon is a creative health programme that supports older adults experiencing loneliness, through art and connection. The colourful, creative artworks have been developed by several older adult groups and artists Sarah Jane Palmer and Sally Philburn.
To develop the creative artworks, the programme has seen six community groups complete three trips to Wentworth Castle Gardens, Experience Barnsley Museum, and Cooper Gallery. Across the project, 111 people took part, and there were 24 art sessions. Creative health activities were inspired by the heritage and nature of Museums venues across the borough.
This helped older adults, mainly in rural communities, who may be experiencing social isolation or loneliness. Museum day trips with tours, volunteer talks and activities were enjoyed, alongside regular artist-led sessions. Refreshments and a warm space were provided to allow the group to share stories and chat about the day trip experience.
The project also upskilled Museums staff, new volunteers, and carers and staff within care settings. The sessions equipped them with the skills and confidence to deliver creative health activities, independently.
One participant, Ronnie, said: “Makes me feel proud to be from Barnsley. Going to start trying to do more walking and getting outside more.” Another participant added: “'What a lovely day, I've never been to the Cooper Gallery. I love history and really enjoyed hearing Amanda talk about the Cooper Gallery and its background. Coming to places like this does make you feel more part of the community. It's been so interesting and has really cheered me up.”
Councillor Wendy Cain, Cabinet Spokesperson for Public Health and Communities, said: “Creativity and art have such huge benefits for our sense of wellbeing and community. I’m pleased that the Shared Horizon project gave so many older adults in Barnsley the opportunity to connect, revisit our amazing heritage sites, and express themselves through art.”
Shared Horizon is supported by Barnsley Museums, Artists in Museums and Know Your Neighbourhood funds. It works in partnership with BIADS Dementia Support, NHS Stroke Recovery, Weavers Court Sheltered Housing, Culture Companions, Bolton on Dearne Natter Friendship and Hoylandswaine Friendship groups.
To develop the creative artworks, the programme has seen six community groups complete three trips to Wentworth Castle Gardens, Experience Barnsley Museum, and Cooper Gallery. Across the project, 111 people took part, and there were 24 art sessions. Creative health activities were inspired by the heritage and nature of Museums venues across the borough.
This helped older adults, mainly in rural communities, who may be experiencing social isolation or loneliness. Museum day trips with tours, volunteer talks and activities were enjoyed, alongside regular artist-led sessions. Refreshments and a warm space were provided to allow the group to share stories and chat about the day trip experience.
The project also upskilled Museums staff, new volunteers, and carers and staff within care settings. The sessions equipped them with the skills and confidence to deliver creative health activities, independently.
One participant, Ronnie, said: “Makes me feel proud to be from Barnsley. Going to start trying to do more walking and getting outside more.” Another participant added: “'What a lovely day, I've never been to the Cooper Gallery. I love history and really enjoyed hearing Amanda talk about the Cooper Gallery and its background. Coming to places like this does make you feel more part of the community. It's been so interesting and has really cheered me up.”
Councillor Wendy Cain, Cabinet Spokesperson for Public Health and Communities, said: “Creativity and art have such huge benefits for our sense of wellbeing and community. I’m pleased that the Shared Horizon project gave so many older adults in Barnsley the opportunity to connect, revisit our amazing heritage sites, and express themselves through art.”
Shared Horizon is supported by Barnsley Museums, Artists in Museums and Know Your Neighbourhood funds. It works in partnership with BIADS Dementia Support, NHS Stroke Recovery, Weavers Court Sheltered Housing, Culture Companions, Bolton on Dearne Natter Friendship and Hoylandswaine Friendship groups.
