Our 2026 Biennale is a youth-led research and development phase, funded by the Arts Council, to focus on sharing decision-making power with young people, particularly targeting underrepresented communities in North and South Kirklees.

Under the Culture Collective banner, Our Biennale is led by The Children’s Art School in partnership with Lawrence Batley Theatre and organisations across the Culture Collective network and it will bring children and young people together with artists across Kirklees. Their ideas will help shape creative work and two public event days – 21 November at the Packhorse in Huddersfield and 12 December at Dewsbury Arcade.

This year is a research and development phase. This means making space to listen and test ideas and learn from young people before developing a larger Kirklees-wide Biennale in 2028.

We want children and young people to have a real say in what happens, from the ideas explored with artists to the way work is shared in public spaces. A Young Producers programme for 16-to-21-year-olds will help us test how young people can influence decisions about the festival and the cultural life of the town, rather than simply being asked for their views once plans are already in place. The programme will include seven artist commissions and conversations with children and young people in schools and community settings. There will also be a particular focus on those who have had fewer opportunities to take part in the arts.

The November and December events will be the perfect opportunity to share what emerges from these discussions and see the young people’s ideas take shape.