Support in the Pipeline for Sheffield-based cultural organisations

Sheffield's culture sector is set for a boost

Sheffield cultural organisations are set to benefit from £250K in investment to support them in the early stages of set up – aiming to give them the best possible start.

Sheffield City Council has made a renewed commitment to support cultural activity, organisations and opportunities that are as diverse as the city’s communities – and in 2024, are gearing up to support culture in new ways.

As part of this commitment, the new Cultural Pipeline Fund has been designed to support a wide range of organisations including community arts projects, grass roots venues and music promoters, festivals, performing arts companies and visual arts organisations.

The Council have announced they will be offering the new grants to help cover the cost of everything from mentoring and development work, to feasibility studies and fundraising advice – all to help get new cultural businesses and projects of the ground.

Cllr Martin Smith, Chair of the Economic Development and Skills Committee, said:

“The Cultural Pipeline Fund will boost the city’s cultural sector, encouraging diverse, inclusive, and innovative projects that are community-led or community-focused.  

“There is also a focus on supporting children, young people and nurturing emerging talent, which is essential for the long-term success of our city.”

Sheffield has a wealth of creative talent demonstrated through both larger organisations and major events, as well as more local, neighbourhood activity.

This initiative underpins the Council’s ambitions to help the city prosper by supporting start-ups and encouraging more businesses to open, particularly in the cultural sector, as they hope to support more people in Sheffield in using their talents as part of the growing city.

Further to this, a newly commissioned Culture Strategy is being developed in collaboration with the sector and the Council is also supporting an innovative Creative Communities Grant Fund of £180k, which is being administered by Site Gallery, as well as a bid to Arts Council England Place Partnerships.

The Cultural Pipeline Fund is open to community interest companies, not-for-profits and charities working in any artform including literature or writing, music, film or screen-based media, visual arts, performance arts and cross artform projects.

Grants offered are between £5,000 and maximum of £50,000. Funding can be used to support new cultural organisations and developing projects in 2024.

The project is open for enquiries. Find out more, including whether your organisation is eligible for support here by visiting the Cultural Pipeline Fund webpage. 

Alternatively, email: jo.wingate@sheffield.gov.uk