Performing arts charity Theatre Deli has been selected as one of four Sheffield-based organisations to distribute funding to support the city’s cultural sector.
The Additional Restrictions Grant, which comes from central government, is awarded by the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority to Sheffield City Council who are partnering with arts providers Sensoria, Theatre Deli, Leadmill and Off the Shelf to distribute the funding across four key areas of the cultural sector: film, performing arts, live music and independent writing and publishing respectively.
Renowned for championing emerging artists and marginalised communities, Theatre Deli will make £20,000 available in small grants of up to £4,000 to Sheffield-based performance companies and artists hit hard by lockdown and coronavirus-related restrictions, as well as local businesses that support them.
Ryan Harston, Co-Artistic Director of Theatre Deli, said: “The team here at Theatre Deli are extremely honoured and excited to partner with Sheffield City Council to help distribute this grant to the amazing artists that are based within our wonderful city. We can’t wait to see how artists and companies will use these small grants to grow, cultivate and innovative creativity within our communities.”
Dan Jarvis, South Yorkshire Mayor, added: “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.”
Development for There Is No Planet B with Christopher Glover and Tania Shadhi, written by Hassun El Zafar. Credit_ Al Hussein Abutaleb
Theatre Deli will also disperse funding via the Artistic and Community Outreach Programme, directly commissioning Sheffield-based performance companies and artists to develop and perform new and existing work for its 2022 programme.
David Ralf, Executive Director of Theatre Deli, said: “Too many artists and companies – especially in the performing arts – have had their work and careers put on hold by the pandemic, and their ability to survive financially threatened.
“We’re honoured to have been selected to share this much-needed funding with companies and artists across Sheffield. We have worked to open up this funding to as many people as possible, and make it as easy as possible to apply: with simple forms, and the option to apply by audio or video. We’re also excited to announce the Sheffield artists that this funding has enabled us to include in our Spring & Summer 2022 programme in the coming weeks.”
Administering this fund is one of several ways Theatre Deli continues to support artists while the organisation searches for a new Sheffield venue, following its eviction from its Eyre Street building earlier this month.
To find out more about how to apply for the Sheffield Performing Arts Grant visit theatredeli.co.uk.
