South Yorkshire cultural and creative industries receive funding boost

Cultural and creative industries in South Yorkshire are set to receive £1m of central government funding to support their work in the region.

The funding acknowledges the value the cultural industry has to the local economy and the key role the sector will play in recovery and renewal by creating jobs, improving the lives of local people, and reinforcing South Yorkshire as a tourist destination.

£280,000 has been allocated to Sheffield, with £120,000 added to the Freelancer Fund Round 2, initiated by the Sheffield Culture Consortium in the Spring and administered at no cost by Sheffield Museums and Site Gallery.

75 creatives will be supported directly along with 5 organisations working on collaborative projects.

The remaining £160,000 has been divided equally between the four artforms of film, performing arts, live music and writing. The funds will be given to local organisations that aim to bolster Sheffield’s cultural and creative sector through their strong networks and commitment to reaching a wide range of creative businesses and audiences.

South Yorkshire Mayor Dan Jarvis said: ‘There is no doubt that South Yorkshire is home to a wealth of creative talent.  The arts, culture and heritage sectors have been hit hard by the impact of the pandemic and investing in these areas is an essential part of their recovery and renewal.

‘If supported and nurtured, the Creative Industries can help drive growth in our region and realise untapped potential. Culture adds colour to people’s lives and I hope this funding will help make our region a great place to live, study, work, visit and invest in.’

Cllr Mazher Iqbal, Sheffield City Council’s Executive Member for City Futures: Development, Culture and Regeneration, added: ‘I welcome this opportunity both to support creative freelancers in Sheffield who underpin the sector, and to build on some of the many strengths of the city’s cultural and creative industries – music, film, performing arts and independent publishing.

‘We want Sheffield’s creative businesses and freelancers to recover and thrive after the difficulties brought about by Covid, and as the challenges continue, this much needed funding will support that recovery.  Our diverse and eclectic sector make us proud of our city and have such an important role in our future.’

In related news, Sheffield City Council’s plans for council housing over the next five years will focus on building more houses, maintaining and improving tenants’ homes and improving energy efficiency.

Photo by Shane Rounce