Barnsley Civic

Stephen, Director of Stephen Browning Associates and Finella were commissioned by Barnsley Civic to support the organisation’s ambition for growth. The strategic plan was developed around a clear consensus that The Civic needed to make significant changes in order to thrive and fulfil its ambition to become a resonant and successful arts organisation in the post-pandemic era.

Drivers for change included not only the changed economic environment but also the need to engage far more people in the community by gaining a much better understanding of their needs. Income generation was also becoming increasingly critical in the face of decreasing public funding and increased building running costs. Finally, Barnsley Metropolitan Borough Council was embarking a major programme of change to improve the cultural, social, physical and economic status of the area and The Civic wished to be a key player in this transformation, helping to position Barnsley as a place of creativity and ambition.

The strategic plan and resulting new business model resulted in a more integrated, creative and innovative approach to programming and marketing, a strengthened management team and board plus more an ambitious approach to funding and a more entrepreneurial and proactive approach to commercial income generation.

—

Illustration below by Julia Bakay, commissioned by The Civic to celebrate the reopening of their Eldon Street entrance in September 2024.