Stella Barnes
Working at the intersection of participatory arts and social justice for over 30 years.
There are spaces and places where a culture of hospitality is strong and I believe that the arts can be one of these spaces, a space of sharing of acceptance and most important exchange and change.
About Stella
I have dedicated much of my career to applying arts and creativity to social justice contexts.
I have a special interest in arts and migration. In 2011, I helped establish Platforma, a national network for refugee-related arts, and have continued to collaborate with Counterpoints Arts ever since.
Read full biography →Areas of Practice
Combining artistic vision with deep commitment to social change
Participatory Arts
Co-creating artistic programmes that actively engage participants in drama, creative writing, video, photography and music, where people tell their own stories in their own words.
Artistic & Cultural Inclusion
Campaigning for artistic and cultural inclusion of migrants and celebrating the cultural richness they bring.
Ethics & Practice
Interrogating ethical practice with cultural organisations, university students and the participatory arts sector.
Community Engagement
Building partnerships across different sectors to positively influence cultural and social inclusion.
Well-being & Co-creation
Facilitating collaborative, creative processes that promote physical and mental well-being, foster belonging and community connections.
Featured Work
Selected projects spanning participatory arts, community engagement, and cultural inclusion
"Stella brings an extraordinary combination of artistic vision and deep commitment to social justice. Her facilitation creates spaces where voices that are often unheard can be amplified."
"Working with Stella transformed our approach to community engagement. Her expertise in participatory arts is unmatched."
Writing & Reflections
Thoughts on practice, ethics, and the transformative power of participatory arts
The Art of Facilitation
Reflections on facilitating meaningful creative processes in community settings. What does it mean t...
Hospitality and Throwing Away the Theatre Rule Book
Exploring how we can make theatre spaces more welcoming and accessible to communities who have tradi...
The Paper Project: Reflections on a Decade of Work
Looking back on years of collaborative creation with young refugees and migrants, and the lasting im...
Let's Work Together
Whether you're planning a participatory project, seeking training, or looking to consult on ethical practice, I'd love to hear from you.
Get in Touch