Co-Curated with Action for Autism Barnsley  

Barnsley’s Cooper Gallery is delighted to announce the upcoming exhibition, "Four Seasons in One Day," co-curated with the Action for Autism Barnsley group (AfAB). This unique, free exhibition will be held from Saturday 18 January 2025 to Saturday 19 April 2025. It promises an immersive experience for all visitors. 

Action for Autism Barnsley created the concept for the exhibition, selected all the artworks and objects, and are contributing their own photographs, recipes and weather reports. Discover more about the group and its members at the ‘Meet the Curators’ section at the beginning of the exhibition. 

The exhibition will showcase a curated selection of artworks and objects from the esteemed collections of Barnsley Museums, including pieces from the Cooper Gallery, Cannon Hall Museum, and Experience Barnsley. Additionally, it will feature works by talented local artists, making it a diverse and rich display of artistic expression. The artworks take visitors through spring, summer, autumn, and winter, plus each phase of a day from morning to night. 

One of the features of the "Four Seasons in One Day" exhibition is the inclusion of sensory objects designed to engage visitors through touch and specially crafted scents. This approach allows guests to experience the beauty and essence of all four seasons in an interactive and memorable way. 

Cllr Robin Franklin, cabinet spokesperson for regeneration and culture, said: "We are thrilled to present this exhibition that not only showcases the incredible talent within our community but also provides an inclusive and engaging experience for all visitors."  

"The involvement of the AfAB group has been instrumental in bringing a unique perspective to the curation, and we look forward to welcoming everyone to the Cooper Gallery." 

Rhiannon, a curator from AfAB, said: “I have really enjoyed being part of this curating project. I felt valued and equal in the group and able to share my voice on the project. 

“I think it's vital to include sensory elements into the gallery. It's great being able to see a pleasant scene, but to be able to use all five senses with the picture deepens the experience. Having sensory elements allows the wider population to experience the joy of art. By using all our senses deepens the experience for those with full senses and encourages those with sensory difficulties to experience the joy of art.” 

Dean, another curator from AfAB, added: “It was positive and empowering to take part in a democratic process and see how effective it can be. We decided which works to include in the exhibition by taking photos of the ones we liked. This encouraged us to tolerate, respect and value other people’s choices and opinions.” 

For more information about the "Four Seasons in One Day" exhibition, please visit https://www.cooper-gallery.com/four_seasons.