What we are up to

When it came to quantifying what we in SVAG have been doing, it was quite astonishing to see just how extensive our involvement has been. Through lobbying Councillors and MPs we’re hoping for more transparency when it comes to strategic planning for arts and culture in the city. It is to be hoped that people will be aware of the Cultural Consultation in order to formulate a much needed Cultural Strategy for the city.

One of our success stories has been the collaboration with Wessex Archaeology and our ongoing  contribution to the Sheffield Public Art Project (SPAR). In conjunction with Wessex and the Sheffield Museums Trust, we assisted with running Art Trails in Sheffield City Centre as part of the Heritage Open Days in 2023. These Heritage Open Days, together with our involvement in the January 2024 Heritage Fair, proved to be a worthwhile opportunity to encourage networking with other groups e.g. Ignite Imaginations and Sheffield Printmakers. The first of these shows the value of Art as therapy when working with local creatives and support groups. In September 2024 we participated in the Heritage Open Days at Channing Hall once again.

On three occasions our members have given illustrated talks on Statues and Memorials to be seen in the city centre, many of which are unnoticed by the average passer-by.

We at SVAG welcomed the opportunity to contribute towards the Cultural Consultation to connect with the city’s future Cultural Strategy.

Behind the scenes a sub group has been designing a stroll round the city centre looking at various artworks. Expect to see a leaflet at the Heritage Fair next year.