Barnsley Sunflowers
A striking visual display at Barnsley Civic and across Eldon Street
June 14th - 28th
Do You See Me?
Learning Disability Week is an annual initiative led by Mencap, designed to raise awareness, challenge stigma and celebrate the talents and contributions of people who have a learning disability. In 2025, the theme "Do You See Me?" aims to highlight the importance of visibility, representation and understanding. It is a call to the public to acknowledge and empower individuals who have a learning disability, ensuring they are seen, heard and valued within their communities. At ArtWorks, we are embracing this message with our own creative initiative: Barnsley Sunflowers – Let’s Grow!​​
Barnsley Sunflowers - Let's Grow!
Our campaign is simple, but full of meaning. The sunflower is a universal symbol of strength, hope and inclusivity.
For many people with disabilities, it represents hidden disabilities awareness, notably through the Sunflower Lanyard Scheme. This initiative allows individuals with non-visible disabilities to discreetly signal that they may need extra support or understanding in public spaces.​
Sunflowers are also a fitting symbol for the aspirations and achievements of people who have a learning disability. Sunflowers grow towards the light, just as individuals who have a learning disability thrive when given the right support, recognition and opportunities. Through our project, we aim to inspire change, one bloom at a time.
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LET'S GROW: SUNFLOWER INSTALLATION
14th - 28th June, open Monday - Saturday 10am-4pm
Community Space, Ground Floor, Barnsley Civic, Eldon Street, S70 2JL
A powerful display of handmade sunflowers created by the local community including:
Students from Greenacre School,
Students from Barnsley College,
Residents at Parkside Homecare,
Participants in Let's Grow! workshops at Barnsley Civic, Library @ The Lightbox and outside Glass Works including during the Barnsley Garden Party,
And, of course, the ArtWorks Artists.
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See below for more activities and events!
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Workshops and events celebrating Learning Disability Week 2025 in Barnsley:
ArtWorks OPEN STUDIOS
16th June, 10am-12pm and 1-2pm
ArtWorks Studio, Level 2, Barnsley Civic, Eldon Street, S70 2JL
Drop in to explore our newest studio space, meet the artists and join in with the workshop. A great opportunity to connect with ArtWorks and discover how creativity transforms lives.
SUNFLOWER MAKING WORKSHOP
17th June, 1-3pm
Community Space, Ground Floor, Barnsley Civic, Eldon Street, S70 2JL
Have a go at crafting your own sunflower with support from the ArtWorks artists, and then add it to the Let's Grow: Sunflower Installation to support increasing visibility of people who have a learning disability.
RESPONSE DRAWING CUBES
17th - 19th June, 11am-2pm
Alhambra Shopping Centre, Centre Management, Cheapside, Barnsley, S70 1SB
Come and draw with us on giant cubes! Guided by ArtWorks artists and Johnsey, express yourself freely through music and mark-making in this relaxed, drop-in activity open to all ages and abilities.
BOOKS BEYOND WORDS WORKSHOP
18th June, 1-2pm
Library @ The Lightbox, 1 The Glass Works, S70 1GW
An accessible, visual storytelling session supporting people to explore themes through images rather than words. Ideal for individuals who find reading difficult.
ULTIMATE THUNDER: DAYTIME ACCESSIBLE GIG
+ ArtWorks RESPONSE DRAWING CUBES
20th June, 1pm
Barnsley Civic, Eldon Street, S70 2JL
A high-energy inclusive gig from self-described "loud, brash and passionately inclusive" band Ultimate Thunder. Book tickets via:
barnsleycivic.co.uk/event/ultimate-thunder-accessible-day-time-concert
Would you like to to get involved with projects like this in the future? Find out what it's like being an ArtWorks artist by booking onto our FREE TASTER SESSIONS. Click the button below to book - we look forward to meeting you!
