South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority pledges seven figure boost to creative industries

£1m funding from the Additional Restrictions Grant (ARG) for Arts, Culture and Heritage projects has been allocated in South Yorkshire.

This is the first time that the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority (SYMCA) has made specific funding available to the arts, culture and heritage sector, in recognition of the difficulties the sector has faced through the pandemic, and the key role cultural industries can play in recovery and renewal, both economic and social.

A report conducted by the University of Sheffield in 2021 revealed that arts, culture and heritage in South Yorkshire has been badly affected by the pandemic, with an estimated sector output loss of 22 per cent. Industry experts say this is because South Yorkshire has the highest share of jobs in this sector.

Kate Brindley, Director of Arts, Culture and Heritage at South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority, said: “It is fantastic to see the Mayor’s ARG fund supporting so many diverse and exciting activities and events here in South Yorkshire.

“Culture is a key part of levelling up here in South Yorkshire and the funding will help to give individuals and organisations a kickstart towards creating more economic prosperity and opportunities in the area.

“With our arts and culture sector being so badly affected by the pandemic, this funding is just what South Yorkshire needs to make a difference to people and our communities where it matters most.”

Sheffield City Council recognised the difficulties faced by freelance artists and creatives and awarded £120k to the Freelancer Fund Round 2. In total, 75 creatives will be supported directly along with five organisations working on collaborative projects.

The remaining £160k in Sheffield has been divided equally between the four artforms of film, performing arts, live music and writing including supporting independent writing and publishing through the Off the Shelf festival, film productions, theatrical performances and live music from independent bands and artists at the Leadmill.

Barnsley has split its ARG funding into individual creative grants; a series of public art installations and events at Barnsley’s Museums; an Artist in Residence at the Digital Media Centre and a new festival of local musicians and bands under the Barnsley Live brand.