Supported by the University of Sheffield, the Year of Making is a chance to collaborate, debate and celebrate. The programme was launched and first commissions announced on Thursday 3 March 2016.
From advanced manufacturing to award-winning theatre, internationally acclaimed art and design, groundbreaking research and world-class talent, the Year of Making Sheffield 2016 will showcase the diversity of skill to be found thriving in Sheffield and offer opportunities for local, regional and international businesses to engage with the cultural sector.
In 2012-13 the Arts and Culture Industries generated £15.1 billion in turnover (an increase of 26 per cent since 2010) and for every pound spent on arts and culture, an additional £1.06 is generated in the economy.
Through cross-sector collaboration, the Year of Making Sheffield 2016 will demonstrate to regional and international audiences that Sheffield is a skilled city with a strong reputation for excellence and innovation. It will create a narrative for Sheffield that reflects its making heritage and projects it into the future, showcasing the city as a great place to live, work, study and invest.
Sheffield is a city that makes people, from theatre makers, music makers, health makers, art makers, education makers to business makers. Year of Making is our opportunity to showcase this.
Professor Vanessa Toulmin
Director of City and Cultural Engagement
Incorporating five core themes: Art & Design, Manufacturing & Industry, Film & Literature, Heritage & Placemaking, and Music & Performance, the Year of Making Sheffield 2016 features an exciting programme of festivals, theatre, exhibitions, conferences and cultural events offering a unique opportunity to unlock hidden talent and break down barriers.
The Year of Making Sheffield 2016 is led by Sheffield Culture Consortium, with partners the University of Sheffield, Sheffield Hallam University, Chamber of Commerce, Made in Sheffield, The Company of Cutlers in Hallamshire and Sheffield City Council. An Advisory Group is creating links between each industry sectors with members from a range of organisations including both Universities, RIBA, Sheffield City Council, Cutlers Company, Assay Office, Made in Sheffield and the wider business community.
Professor Vanessa Toulmin, Director of City and Cultural Engagement at the University of Sheffield and Chair of the Sheffield Cultural Consortium said: “Sheffield is a city that makes people, from theatre makers, music makers, health makers, art makers, education makers to business makers. Year of Making is our opportunity to showcase this by providing a crucible of creativity for residents, visitors and the next generation of would be makers, whether born here or wanting to make their future in our city.
"The University of Sheffield is proud to demonstrate its commitment to the city through this partnership, as the University was founded by the people of Sheffield for the children of the people of Sheffield.”