From behind-the-scenes museum experiences and youth-led gaming events to celebrating creativity on the big screen, Fusion has been helping young people across Barnsley discover their talents and make their mark. Barnsley Museums and Heritage Trust says it is proud to be a strategic partner and funder of Fusion, Barnsley's Local Cultural Education Partnership.
Ben Marsh from Barnsley Museums has been collaborating with Fusion on a work experience project funded by Barnsley Council. Back in July nine young people from Horizon College, Queen Elizabeth College Wakefield and Penistone Grammar School were supported through the pilot project, working with a BAFTA nominated storyteller and games designer. This resulted in a live performance of three historic tableaus, demonstrating the idea of how museums engage the public to bring history to life.
Participants interviewed the museum team to learn more about the many careers available in museums, which led students to have follow up chats on those careers. They also took on additional roles such as designing the poster to promote the performance. One grateful parent said: 'Thank you for setting up the work experience in July, Isabella told me the other day that it was the best week of her life high accolade from a teenager!'
This summer marked a major success for Fusion's Young Producers from Astrea Dearne Academy, as the group took the lead in planning and delivering two Game On Barnsley gaming tournaments at the Pit @ Dearne Playhouse and the Digital Media Centre in Barnsley town centre. The Year 10 scholars took real ownership of the project, choosing leadership roles that reflected their individual interests and strengths. From Project Management, Marketing & Communications and Health & Safety to Educational Content, Visuals, Logistics and Catering, each Young Producer played an important part in bringing the events to life.
Over 12 weeks, mentored by Sara, the group worked alongside professionals from the creative, gaming, events and project management industries. Through hands-on experience, they developed practical project management and event delivery skills while growing in confidence, creativity, communication and teamwork. With support from Adaptive Gaming, the Young Producers helped shape the design of the tournaments and developed their own youth-led marketing campaign, including social media content and a short promotional film.
Two of the Young Producers joined Sara at a Children's Services whole-service event, where they confidently shared their experience with an audience of more than 100 Barnsley Council staff, alongside the Leader of the Council, elected members and Heads of Service. The group have continued to put those skills into practice across Barnsley, supporting the Dearne Arts Festival and joining the judging panel for the Great Childhood Ambitions Primary Poetry Slam. Their journey continues with further opportunities, including representing Fusion at Glowthorpe and the Christmas Takeover event at the Town Hall.
Creativity took centre stage at Parkway Cinema as young people from secondary schools across Barnsley came together for the Secondary Arts Network Celebration Event 2026, an evening dedicated to celebrating young people's talent, creativity and achievements. The event brought together young people, schools, families and supporters from across the borough, providing a platform for young people's voices and creative work to be seen, heard and celebrated.
The evening showcased talented young poets, artists and dancers through the Secondary Arts Network Interschool Competitions. Nominees represented Astrea Academy Dearne, Barnsley Academy, Darton Academy, Holy Trinity, Horizon Community College, Kirk Balk, Netherwood Academy, Springwell Special School and Trinity Academy St Edwards. The evening included the premier of a poem created by students from across the secondary schools, filmed and edited by Jack Riley: Barnsley Is Home to Me.
Led by Fusion, alongside Barnsley Schools Alliance, the Secondary Arts Network brings secondary schools together to strengthen arts and cultural learning, support teachers to collaborate and create more creative opportunities for young people. The network is funded by Barnsley Council. The event was compered by Anna Turner, Head of Service for Education and Partnerships, and Chris Dyer, Art Lead at Trinity and Chair of the Secondary Arts Network, with the Young Mayor and Mayor of Barnsley also joining the celebration.
More than an awards evening, the celebration demonstrated the important role arts and culture can play in helping young people build confidence, develop new skills, broaden their horizons and raise their aspirations. Above all, the evening shone a spotlight on Barnsley's young creative talent, giving young people a platform to share what they can do and celebrating their creativity, voices and potential.