Artists bring a splash of colour to Barnsley

Vibrant and colourful artworks made from recycled furniture will travel around Barnsley raising a smile this summer.

Barnsley based artists, Lenny and Whale, will be bringing their latest exciting project 'Sanctuary of Colour' to six locations across the borough during the summer of 2024. 

Made from repurposed and up-cycled hand painted furniture, it aims to create a bright, bold and joyful interventions that will surprise and delight, encouraging a smile for those who experience it.

The artwork will be touring locations across the borough’s Principal Towns, including markets, green spaces and high streets through July and August 2024. The first stop on the tour will be at Goldthorpe Embankment on Thursday, 11 July between 9am and 11.30am and will also include a fun art workshop. The stunning artwork will move later that day to Goldthorpe Town Square and can be experienced between 12.30pm – 3.30pm.

Alongside the installations, Lenny and Whale, in collaboration with musician Nicholas Lewis, will be leading music and art activities that will be inspired by the artwork. The activities will be suitable for all ages and abilities and will offer a chance to explore the themes of colour, recycling and creativity.

Lenny & Whale said: "We are really excited about 'Sanctuary of Colour' popping-up in each of the Principal Towns. It's been a lot of fun hunting out locations for the artwork and we look forward meeting local people and hearing their reactions. Alongside the installations, we will be sharing art and music activities for people to get involved in."

Jon Finch, Head of Culture and Visitor Economy, said: “Barnsley is full of culture in every part of the borough. There is so much to enjoy and experience. This exciting project will bring vibrancy and animation to our towns and villages, where our communities live, work and visit. We think that art can make people feel better and healthier, and that everyone should be able to experience it. This is how we are making culture part of people's lives.”

The 'Sanctuary of Colour' project is commissioned and funded by Barnsley’s Cultural Development Fund programme ‘Storying Barnsley’.

For more information on the locations where you can see the artwork and take part in workshops visit www.barnsley-museums.com/projects/storying-barnsley/sanctuary-of-colour