ENGAGE / CREATE
We are delighted with the success of the ENGAGE/ CREATE programme to support artists to develop their socially-engaged practice. The project has helped artists and creative practitioners to connect and work with Barnsley communities.
The chosen artists worked with residents in Barnsley's Principal Towns of Cudworth, Hoyland, Penistone, Royston, Wombwell, and Goldthorpe to co-create new artwork, inspired by the towns and their people.
They all received mentoring and support from Beam and other experts in the field of socially-engaged practice.
The artists selected for this project were:
- Izzy Dabiri, a textile artist, for Wombwell
- Jayde Marie Bell (also known as Eye Violet), a mural painter, for Cudworth
- Lucy Burns, an illustrator and mural painter for Penistone
- Tahir Shah, a film producer, storyteller, and director for Goldthorpe
- Jack Riley, a theatre and community arts practitioner for Royston
- Thomas Palmer, a sculptor and potter for Hoyland.
ENGAGE / CREATE was commissioned as part of our Storying Barnsley programme and delivered by arts organisation Beam.
The artists taking part have had the chance to reflect on their progress individually and with their mentors and peers, informing their future practice.
As well as enabling the creatives to enhance their skills, this has resulted in some remarkable new artwork. Artwork produced for this project spans a broad range of art forms, including:
- Izzy’s textile display reflecting on the story of Wombwell in three parts
- Spray paint artworks created by Jayde in collaboration with young people in Cudworth
- Jack’s film, titled Royston In Our Eyes, which features reflections and memories from people in the town.
- Lucy’s “sharing shelf” at Penistone Leisure Centre, where people in Penistone are encouraged to share artwork, books and other materials
- A Place Called Home, a series of interviews recorded by Tahir in Goldthorpe.
- Thomas Palmer’s “time capsule” of pottery created by people at workshops in Hoyland, which are on display at Hoyland Library.
Artist Mentors
- Dan Jones, Artist and Sculptor
- Natalie Bellingham, Performer and Theatre Maker
- Natasha Clarke, Artist and Muralist
Izzy Dabiri
Through research, craft sessions, call outs for contributions and many long chats, Izzy Dabiri learned about Wombwell through the stories, photos, dreams, frustrations and wishes that members of the community shared with her.
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Jayde Marie Bell
Jayde Marie Bell's project was an energetic burst of quickfire mural making with the youth community of Cudworth, at The Youth Association.
Jack Riley
Jack Riley's history documentary was created in collaboration with Royston History Group, to preserve and share the rich history and culture of the local area.
Lucy Burns
Lucy Burn's project, The Sharing Shelf at Penistone Leisure Centre is a community bookcase mural, which celebrates Penistone's stories, history and creativity.
Tahir Shah
Project Goldthorpe: A Place Called Home was a series of recorded interviews carried out by Tahir Shah in Goldthorpe.
Thomas Palmer
Thomas Palmer's project The Hoyland Time Capsule was made in collaboration with children from Hoyland Springwood School and visitors to Hoyland market.
We’ve had some wonderful feedback from the artists supported by this project. They have welcomed the opportunity to learn from experienced mentors and boost their confidence in working with diverse communities.
Izzy Dabiri said: “I have loved working on this project and have learned so much. Having time to really get to know community members was wonderful and I feel very grateful that they shared so many of their stories with me. Thank you to the Storying Barnsley and Beam teams for trusting and supporting me throughout this commission.”
Potter Thomas Palmer said: “I had a great time working with everyone that came to my workshops. ENGAGE / CREATE has given me the opportunity to pass on sculpting techniques and I have learned so much.”
The project has also opened up new opportunities, with artists having secured new commissions in Barnsley since being involved in ENGAGE / CREATE.
Cllr Robin Franklin, Cabinet Spokesperson for Regeneration and Culture, said: “I’m so pleased we’ve been able to offer talented South Yorkshire creatives this unique opportunity to explore and develop socially-engaged practice by working closely with our local communities.
“Not only has this supported them to grow as artists, it’s also given people living across Barnsley the chance to connect with their neighbours and get in touch with their creative side.
“It’s very encouraging to receive such positive feedback from those involved in the project and I look forward to seeing some of the new artwork they have produced.”
Frances Smith, principal consultant for Beam, said: “We’ve really enjoyed working with the Storying Barnsley team and build on their impressive earlier work with artists and communities across Barnsley.
“Our artists have drawn on the support of their mentors and really made the most of this exciting chance to develop new approaches to working with communities as part of their artistic practice.”
ENGAGE / CREATE is part of our Storying Barnsley programme, which aims to celebrate the stories and heritage of Barnsley and its people through creative and cultural activities.
It was funded by as part of the Cultural Development Fund Round 2 by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport and Arts Council England.
www.barnsley-museums.com/projects/storying-barnsley
