 Concerteenies at Zest, Credit Ai Narapol
The Sheffield Culture Bulletin
Today we have some key announcements from Culture Sheffield so stay tuned!
Scroll down after our updates for the usual roundup of culture sector events. From nature-themed creative workshops to soundsystem courtyard parties, Sheffield's spring/summer is kicking off!
As ever, please remember to:
Now, let's get into it.
 Sound Café at Culture Club 1, Credit Ai Narapol
Culture Sheffield opportunities
Bridging the Gap Fund R2
The Bridging the Gap fund is back for round 2! This scheme is designed to strengthen heritage and cultural organisations that have the potential to become resilient but are currently operating without stable income streams.
It will be awarded to 5 diverse-led cultural organisations that have been delivering public-facing cultural events for at least 2 years but require additional support to enhance their sustainability.
Visit our website below to find out more and apply.
Public Art Tender for Heart of the City 2
Following the early market engagement advertised last November, we are pleased to announce that the Heart of the City Phase 2 Public Art Commission is now officially live!
This opportunity is with Sheffield City Council's Planning Team, and the tender is live on their e-procurement portal.
Find out more on our website using the link below.
UNESCO City of Literature research
Harley Ryley will soon be joining us for a summer placement. As a UoS PhD student (and enthusiastic member of Sheffield's literary arts scene!), Harley will be completing a research project exploring the city's diverse literary arts sector.
She will be looking at the UNESCO 'City of Literature' designation and other opportunities to support organisations.
Harley is keen to talk to as many people as possible who are involved with the literary arts in Sheffield, so if you're interested in sharing your views/getting involved, you can email Harley at hehryley1@sheffield.ac.uk.
Culture Sheffield events
Taking place at the incredible Samuel Worth Chapel, this is an opportunity to connect with fellow creatives, freelancers, and professionals working across the city’s culture sector.
The evening will include plenty of open networking time, along with updates from Culture Sheffield on current planning and consultation activity linked to the City of Culture 2029 bid, with some short performances TBC!
Other events
Arts Marketing Skills: Building your web presence, 12th May 2026 - Join us in May as we explore some practical digital marketing skills, delving into the world of Search Engine Optimisation (SEO) and expanding your web presence. Be sure to bring a laptop to do some live work on your site!
Creative Futures - Leadership Development: Building Networks, 12th June 2026 - Creative Futures returns with a dynamic in-person session dedicated to networking and partnerships for Sheffield’s creative and cultural leaders. We will explore how to build connections, grow collaborative projects and strengthen the ecosystem around your work.
Our other updates
Stronger Together: How collaboration can shape your creative practice - Using Yorkshire Artspace’s collaboration with ArtWorks Together as a case study, this blog shares some interesting ideas about how artists can develop their practice through collaboration, access and community empowerment. It raises questions about who gets to be an artist and how we are stronger together.
Issues with Business Rates - Culture Sheffield can support cultural organisations with business rates queries early on by helping to signpost to the right advice. Check out the above link for more info.
Arts marketing tips and tricks - In this blog you’ll find some tips and tricks for grassroots arts marketing. Expect to find free/low-cost tips and plenty of Sheffield-specific advice with local promotional opportunities.
Cultural Networks Funds awardees announced! - At the end of last year we commissioned a fund for Cultural Networks in Sheffield, and we can now announce the awardees and how they'll be using the grant money.
Check out more support on our website:
City of Culture bid team call-out
Sheffield is developing its bid for UK City of Culture 2029, building on the foundations of our city-wide Culture Strategy engagement.
We are looking to appoint a:
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Lead Bid Writer (individual or organisation)
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Engagement Partner (registered organisation) to lead the public engagement process that will directly feed into the bid
We’re excited to be collaborating with partners across the city on this work, and we’re bringing in some additional capacity to help us move at pace!
This tender isn't applicable to everyone, but there will still be a full engagement process for you to get involved with once we have appointed these positions.
There is now a City of Culture tab on our site which will be updated with events, news and further opportunities as we go!
Contact us
We are available to contact about advice around space-use, business rates issues, propositions for workshop collaborations and anything in between!
If we don't have the answer, we'll try signpost you to someone who does.
 Culture Club 4 at the National Videogame Museum, Credit Jacob Flannery
Commissions, vacancies & grants
Each month we run one cultural events bulletin, like today's, and one opportunities bulletin which is full of local vacancies, grants, workshops and other chances at professional development.
The next opportunities bulletin will be going out on 13th May 2026, but in the meantime you can check out the below.
SYMCA updates
Some updates from the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority (SYMCA).
New culture role at SYMCA! - An exciting new role has opened in the Strategy, Collaboration and Culture team. The postholder will help bring to life the newly signed‑off South Yorkshire Culture and Creative Investment Framework by embedding culture and creativity in the wider work of the organisation
Free business and AI skills training for creative freelancers - A new skills bootcamp for self‑employed creative professionals and small business owners who want to build fundamental business and AI skills to win more clients and grow their business.
SYMCA bootcamp learner stories - Find out what benefits you can get from SYMCA bootcamps.
Thanks for bearing with all our announcements, now onto what's on in Sheffield!
 USP DJs at Best Boy Bagels, Abbeydale Live 2026, Credit Hamish Yewdall
What's on?
Remember you can also check out Welcome to Sheffield for comprehensive events listings, and Our Favourite Places who cover grassroots cultural content.
Music
Wild Traditions, Spring and Summer 2026 - Wild Traditions is a new monthly happening involving a concert, singing session, tunes and singalong songs at Hillsborough Park Pavillion.
SlamBarz Connect: Live Q&A with Coco, 8th May 2026 - A rare and intimate opportunity to hear directly from an artist shaping UK Music.
Keystones Piano Festival, 8th - 17th May 2026 - Keystones Piano Festival is returning to the Samuel Worth Chapel for a week of piano music.
Sheffield Chamber Music Festival, 15th May - 23rd May 2026 - Join Music in the Round for this year's Chamber Music Festival, as they welcome some of the world's finest artists.
Sheffield Symphony Orchestra performs Verdi's Requiem, 6th June 2026 - For the final concert of their 70th season, Sheffield Symphony Orchestra are performing Verdi's Requiem.
Dubcentral Summer Courtyard Session, 21st June 2026 - Dubcentral is back, bringing high vibrations to Hagglers Corner with another roots and culture session in the heart of the Steel City.
MVT's Everywhere At Once Festival, June 2026 - Hundreds of grassroots music venues from Inverness to Penzance will come together for one nationwide moment - it's a festival on your doorstep.
Tramlines stage splits announced for Juily 2026! - It’s time to fire up the group chat and get planning who you’re going to see at Tramlines this summer.
Literature & poetry
Groovy, Laidback & Nasty, 7th May 2026 - The book launch for Daniel Dylan's History of Independent Music in Sheffield.
Off the Shelf Festival presents: The Midnight Train by Matt Haig, 18th May 2026 - If you could relive your most meaningful moments, would you...? International best selling author Matt Haig is coming to Sheffield!
Come Beautify the Night with Otis Mensah, 22nd May 2026 - Come Beautify the Night combines avant-garde musical-form with traditional elements of rap-flow and cadence, reflecting on the body as landscape across seven movements.
First Draughts: Poetry & Spoken Word at Hop Hideout, 30th May 2026 (Monthly) - Whether you’re a seasoned wordsmith or someone who’s been scribbling in a journal and waiting for the right moment to share, this event is for you.
A 'What's on ' contact list for poetry in Sheffield - Do you want to know what's going on in poetry in Sheffield without trawling lots of different social media, sites or emails? Sign up to this list!
Film/screen & photography
Taylor Wessing Photo Portrait Prize exhibition, Now - 10th May 2026 - This showcases the work of talented early career photographers, gifted amateurs and established professionals in the very best of contemporary photography.
Culture Shock: Festival of Fantastic Film, 1st - 3rd May 2026 - Culture Shock is back for another weekend-long celebration of weird, wild world cinema.
The Working Class Film Festival, 8th - 10th May 2026 - Showroom Cinema will be showcasing more than 35 films by working-class filmmakers.
Woodland Wonder: Carpet of Blue, 15th - 16th May 2026 - Sensoria Festival presents a short film by Sam Wichelow capturing footage of Ecclesall Woods during bluebell season.
Toddler Kino at Showroom Cinema, Every Monday - Give little ones their first cinema experience in a welcoming, relaxed environment. Screenings are presented with comfortable sound levels, low lighting, and space for pushchairs.
Sheffield DocFest announces first names on lineup - book now!, 10th - 15th June 2026 - DocFest are delighted to announce the first programme highlights for 2026, under this year’s programme title 'Realities in Motion'.
Performing arts
The Promise of Power - Deliverance or Destruction?, 2nd May 2026 - Utopia Theatre's Community Ensemble are producing and performing a scratch showcase performance based on the overarching theme of power.
Andro & Eve X Ghetto Fabulous presents Reyt Queer Extravaganza, 8th May 2026 - Join Andro & Eve and Ghetto Fabulous for a night of electrifying queer performance with drag, dance, pageantry and music.
Hype Dance Arts Festival, 10th May 2026 - Hype Dance Company will take over Forge Warehouse creating a fun day out for the whole family.
A Night at the Musicals, 18th May 2026 - A Night at the Musicals returns to the Crucible for a spectacular evening of musical theatre magic. The evening will raise vital funds to support vulnerable young people across the region.
 Sheffield Mela 2025, Credit the Sheffield Mela Team
Get creative!
ArtWorks Together Creative Weekend Workshops, Spring 2026 - Come try your hand at mosaic making, painting, photography, clay work and silversmithing! We caught up with AWT about these workshops, and you can read more here.
Saturday Workshop: Portrait Photography with Jeremy Abrahams, 2nd May 2026 - The workshop will provide inspiration, helping you develop easy and practical lighting and composition skills with lots of feedback.
Kelham Makes: Macramé Wall Planter Workshop, 7th May 2026 - Macramé artist Charlotte Hanson will give a brief history of macramé before introducing you to the basic knots that will allow you to make your very own wall planter.
Sounding the Garden, 9th May 2026 - An immersive sonic workshop exploring the hidden soundscapes of the Grow allotment, inspired by themes of Plantation at Site. This will be hosted at Grow, a nature-focused youth development charity.
Monotype Printmaking Workshop: Portraiture, 9th May 2026 - Come develop drawing and printmaking skills with monotype processes.
Bloom Sheffield Flower Crown workshop, 16th May 2026 - Get in the mood for summer with this creative workshop from Bloom and Sensoria Festival.
Workshop: The Art of Being Silly, 30th May 2026 - The Art of Being Silly is a welcoming, light-hearted workshop for anyone who wants more playfulness in their life.
Nature themed crafts, Spring 2026 - Free sessions for families affected by Cancer, open to anyone at any stage - whether living with cancer, beyond it, or caring for someone who is.
Visual art
"IT HAS TO BE APART IT HAS TO BE ALONE": Jessie Tam exhibition, Now - 2nd May 2026 - A mixed media installation project Jessie developed in response to the political turmoil in her hometown in Hong Kong.
The Drawing Shop Living Memory Exhibition, Spring 2026 - Come see some pieces from the most exciting emerging artists in the city.
Open Up Artists' Studios Sheffield, May 2026 - Visit artists' studios across Sheffield this spring!
Queen of Heeley: Did She Mean Murder?, 11th - 29th May 2026 - A group of local artists and writers are exploring the life of Kate Dover, the 'Queen of Heeley' in an exhibition at the Work Station in Sheffield.
More exhibitions here - There's far too much to fit into one bulletin, so make sure you check out more exhiibtions here!
Other cool events
Festival of Creativity at Sheffield Hallam, Now - June 2026 - The festival showcases the work of graduating students, including artists, designers, filmmakers, animators, writers, architects and performers. Emerging creatives are showcasing the future through exhibitions, events, performances and screenings.
Beltane Wellness Festival, 2nd May 2026 - Align your vibe and experience the magic of Beltane with a one day celebration of creativity and Celtic tradition.
What does it mean to connect to the past?, 12th May 2026 - Join us to explore big ideas about human nature, craft, beauty and time.
Festival of Debate, 6th - 21st May 2026 - Though the full festival is taking a break this year, they're putting on a number of super interesting events - sign up now!
Forest Bathing, 17th May 2026 - Connect with nature, using creative and mindful techniques to improve your mental health and reduce stress.
Deep breath, and...
Sheffield Food Festival, 23rd May - 25th May 2026 - The city centre will be sizzling with the very best in food, drink, and music, bringing together local vendors, regional favourites, and exciting new flavours.
Sheffield General Cemetery’s 190th Birthday Celebrations, 23rd - 26th May 2026 - The Cemetery will come alive with a rich programme of tours, performances and events, including a planetarium in the Chapel, a community picnic, live music and more.
Thinking on Your Feet, 27th May 2026 - Join us for a monthly mid-week, nature-inspired outdoor workshop delivered by experienced coach and facilitator, Lianne Mellor.
Migration Matters Festival, 19th - 27th June 2026 - The lineup has just been announced, and it is stacked! Another fantastic installment of this arts and community festival is incoming.
The Coaching Garden:Tending to Your Inner Landscape, Spring and Summer 2026 - A nature-connected group coaching series for leaders, founders and freelancers who want to get out of the weeds and start thriving.
Sheffield Home of Football Guided Football Walks, Spring and Summer 2026 - Each walk lasts approximately 90 minutes and is around 2.5 miles on reasonable terrain.
 Weston Park Museum, Credit Ai Narapol
Workshops, talks & socials
Tax and Accounting for Freelancers, 7th May 2026 - Tax basics for the self employed and what you really need to know.
Hopeful Futures and Social Change: Celebrating participatory research, 7th May 2026 - Come explore how people-powered research is shaping a brighter, more hopeful future for everyone.
Breaking the Spiral of Silence, 16th May 2026 - This workshop offers an embodied, holistic approach to understanding what keeps the climate majority trapped in silence and what it would take to break free.
Creative Health in Barnsley - what's our next step? 18th May 2026 - What do we need to ensure everyone in Barnsley can live healthier lives through creativity?
Creative Boom social, 21st May 2026 - "It's kind of networking but we won't call it that because that sounds horrendous. If you work in the creative industries or want to chat to those that do, come and join us!"
Other call-outs & local news
Do you have a call-out or a story to share? Maybe you're looking for studio space, advertising your creative services, looking for crowdfunding support, or simply celebrating your work? Send it in and we'll feature it!
Does the culture sector need a new kind of finance? - Take part in this survey to support the cultural and creative sector - and be in with a chance to win a £250 charity donation.
Art UK digitises thousands of murals - From medieval church wall paintings to Liam Gallagher’s viral X post, charity has catalogued more than 6,600 pieces.
Culture in devolution - UK Parliament agrees government amendment to include ‘Culture’ in flagship Devolution Bill.
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