Creative opportunities for young people

Next Big Thing is a creative youth group run by Barnsley Museums. It’s designed to give young people aged 14 to 25 the opportunity to explore heritage and culture in innovative ways.

This dedicated group of young people from across Barnsley champion creativity as a transferable skill, an avenue of expression, and a way to explore Barnsley’s heritage. They work on projects linked to heritage sites, such as:

Wentworth Castle Gardens - exploring themes like wildlife, nature restoration, and climate change
Elsecar Heritage Centre - creating interactive experiences like 'Echoes Through Time' - a digital trail using film to tell Elsecar's history
film making, art installations, and digital storytelling - such as the short film 'In Time', and 'The Kaleidoscope' art installation featuring 3D butterfly sculptures

How to get involved

The group welcomes:

young people with lived experience of mental health challenges
LGBTQ+ youth
young carers
any young person who faces barriers to education or cultural activities

The group meets weekly during term-time in the town centre from 4:30pm to 6pm.

To find out more or get involved email barnsleymuseums@barnsley.gov.uk.

Funding and mentoring

Next Big Thing is supported and funded by Art Fund, National Lottery Heritage Fund, Arts Council England, and Creative Minds. The sessions are mentored and led by artists 'We Great Ladies'.