A group of organisations local to Barnsley have launched a mutual bid to become the UK’s Town of Culture 2028.
Culture groups such as Barnsley Council, ArtWorks South Yorkshire, Barnsley Civic, Barnsley Community and Voluntary Services, Gary Clarke Company, the National Trust’s Wentworth Castle Gardens, and Yorkshire Sculpture Park have all been involved in the process, demonstrating their commitment to the cause.
The aforementioned parties are collaborating in an effort to construct and submit an ‘expression of interest’ to the government. This will allow them to begin the bidding process to claim the status of Town of Culture.
If the group’s bid is successful, they would be set to receive a £3 million imbursement that they could invest into the community in a ‘transformational cultural programme’.
The runner-up will also receive some investment.
Edward Naylor, Chairperson of the Barnsley Town Board, said: “Town of Culture presents a fantastic opportunity and it’s important that cultural organisations across Barnsley pull together to help bring this home for the borough”.
The council are encouraging the local residents of the town to give them ideas as to what cultural activity makes Barnsley special to them. This is being conducted through a survey that can be accessed here: Barnsley for UK Town of Culture 2028 – have your say
The survey will remain open until midnight on Sunday 15 March.
Torri Crapper, General Manager South Yorkshire and Humber, National Trust, said: “There is something special about Barnsley; from the stories that shaped our past, to the stories which will be shared about our town, culture and people in the future, the National Trust here at Wentworth Castle Gardens are excited to support Barnsley’s bid to become the UK Town of Culture”.
Barnsley council are also encouraging anyone else who would like to be involved to get in contact.
Councillor Robin Franklin, Cabinet Spokesperson for Regeneration and Culture, said: “Any other cultural organisations or groups who would like to be involved, kept informed, or simply want to ‘back the bid’ are encouraged to email culture@barnsley.gov.uk to register their interest”.