A snapshot of the visual arts scene in Sheffield
Sheffield has a lively arts scene thanks to affordable living and studio space, and the 'mental and physical space to think and act', according to 'A snapshot of the visual arts scene in Sheffield'.
Sheffield is a source of inspiration to its lively arts scene
Sheffield has a lively arts scene thanks to affordable living and studio space, and the 'mental and physical space to think and act', according to A snapshot of the visual arts scene in Sheffield.
The report is based on reflections from 390 Sheffield-based artists, art studies professionals and arts organisations in the city and surrounding region.
The research for the report was conducted by Ellen McLeod, an Arts Administrator working for The Poetry Business in Sheffield. It was written by John Clark, an author and educational consultant who set up and ran Bank Street Arts, an independent arts centre in Sheffield in 2008.
Key findings
- Sheffield is a huge source of inspiration to its artists, while the arts scene contributes to the city's vibrancy and economy.
- Report makes recommendations to grow the visual arts economy and make Sheffield a destination venue for art.
- Sheffield has a large and in general tightly-knit artist community which, due to pressure on cultural funding, tends to be self-reliant.
- There is a DIY culture, with respect to events and organisations; they are quite small in scale, scattered, sometimes transient but generally resilient.
- Sheffield has 19 studio groups providing 362 artists with studios.
- There is outstanding demand for space, and demand for artist studios actually increases with supply.
- Sheffield's art sector is currently expanding but in recent years has been outpaced by its near neighbours.
This report highlights the huge eclectic mix of artistic talent we have in the city and the potential we have to make Sheffield a destination venue for art.
PROFESSOR VANESSA TOULMIN, DIRECTOR OF CITY AND CULTURAL ENGAGEMENT, UNIVERSITY OF SHEFFIELD