Grade II-listed building opens after £1.5m arts refurb

A SHEFFIELD arts space is officially opening after a £1.5m refurbishment of the Grade II-listed building in which it is situated.

The Arts House, a social and charitable enterprise, will deliver art courses as well as specialist courses for marginalised groups including the homeless and those struggling with mental health difficulties.

Regional social enterprise investor the Key Fund supported the Art House with a £60,000 loan to help with final construction costs.

Graham Duncan, founder of The Art House, said: “The official opening is to not only invite the public to see this beautiful and stunning venue, but to meet the amazing staff and volunteers, many of whom have experienced recovery through art; creativity can be the path to a new life. It’s taken five years of work, and we’re incredibly proud of this new service.”

The Art House has been funded by the European Regional Development Fund, Charity Bank, Vincent House, The Tudor Trust, Sheffield Church Burgess Trust, Sheffield Town Trust, The JG Graves Charitable Trust, Westfield Health and the George Osborne Charitable Trust.

Matt Smith, deputy chief executive at Key Fund, said: “We were incredibly impressed by Graham’s experience setting up successful social care programmes and social enterprises, and the passion of the team behind the Art House.

“Key Fund’s mission is to remove bureaucratic hurdles and open up access to finance for Social Entrepreneurs, voluntary groups, community organisations and charities in the areas of greatest need, and this is one of a number of important investments supporting the arts in Sheffield.

“Sheffield is a city that’s making its name as a hotbed for the creative industries and the arts, all using social enterprise for powerful impact. Key Fund started out in South Yorkshire in 1999 to revitalise communities decimated by the collapse of the steel and coal industries.

“It’s now the biggest social investor in the UK and work across the North of England, so it’s fantastic for us to see Sheffield leading the way.”