Sheffield: a source of inspiration to its lively arts scene
Thursday 30 July saw the launch of Re:New Sheffield, a collaborative project to promote and support creative interim uses of empty buildings in Sheffield City Centre for pop-up shops and other start-up businesses.
The event was a sell-out, with over 150 entrepreneurs and independent creatives discussing ideas and getting advice from the Re:New advisory board, all who have developed their own successful independent businesses
In the spirit of Re:New, the event was held at Theatre Delicatessen on the Moor, using local independent businesses for event organisation/styling (Felicity Hoy), catering (Pie Eyed) and photography (Shelley Richmond).
Re:New was created by Sheffield City Council, in collaboration with the University of Sheffield's Office for City and Cultural Engagement and Schools of Law and Management. Inspired by a visit from regeneration expert Marcus Westbury of Renew Australia last year, the council and University worked with the creative community to identify barriers and enable start-ups to take their next step in taking on a commercial property.
The result was Re:New Sheffield, which offers mentoring, funding and help in finding vacant units. ReNew is governed by a board made up of Sheffield City Council, property agent and Sheffield Hallam University and chaired by Professor Vanessa Toulmin, Director of City and Cultural Engagement at the University of Sheffield.