Shelling Out Creativity: Students take on Barnsley Libraries art challenge

Creative Industries students have been given a unique opportunity to collaborate with Barnsley Libraries to create commissioned work inspired by the Story Shell.

The Story Shell is a distinctive and functional art space created by international artists Suzie Devey and Steve Messam. Commissioned by Barnsley Libraries, it is designed to offer an immersive storytelling experience.

Creative Industries students have been challenged to respond to the Story Shell by producing original work that can be showcased alongside the installation. The brief is deliberately open-ended, allowing students to fully explore their creative potential.

Students from Art, Music, Performing Arts, and Photography courses are invited to submit and pitch their ideas. Final selections will be made by the Barnsley Libraries team in collaboration with the Story Shell artists, Suzie and Steve.

Selected students will receive up to £1,000 to develop and produce their final piece, which will be unveiled during the College’s Creative Industry Week in November.

Jemma Conway, Barnsley Libraries NPO Programme Manager, said:
"We're delighted to be able to set the students a creative brief responding to Barnsley Libraries’ travelling Story Shell. This project gives students the chance to create new work for their CVs and offers valuable experience of working to a real brief. We can’t wait to see what creative ideas emerge."

Sue McGeorge, Barnsley College Creative Industries Programme Manager, added:
"This real-life client commission from Barnsley Libraries gives our Creative students a taste of what it’s like to be a freelance artist, including pitching and presenting their ideas within a set timeframe. We’re excited to see their responses in September and incredibly grateful to Barnsley Libraries for providing both the opportunity and the funding to bring these ideas to life."