About us

Site Gallery is Sheffield’s international centre for contemporary art. The gallery offers a changing programme of free exhibitions alongside regular artists’ talks, conferences, workshops, screenings and  publications.

The gallery focuses on newly commissioned work, UK premieres, providing a base for international residencies and supporting artists at the beginning of their career. The development of on-line activities, live art events and off-site projects further our mission to make opportunities for the production of creative work and to present new work to new audiences.

The gallery also has a cafe (currently under refurbishment), a free online computer resource area and shop.

History
Site Gallery opened in 1978 as Untitled Gallery in the Walkley area of Sheffield, as part of the growth of independent photography galleries and workshops in the 1970s, subsequently moving to the current site in 1988. The launch of Site Gallery in 1995 was a new direction for the gallery’s programming of exhibitions and events, incorporating  the new and experimental, the digital and the multi-media alongside traditional forms of image production.

Since the major expansion and redevelopment of the gallery building in 1998, the gallery has become a key national player within the UK’s visual arts sector, having developed a unique contemporary art programme with an international reputation through extensive exhibitions, commissioning and residency programmes and innovative education and training activities. In 2008, Site’s 30th birthday was marked by a year’s worth of celebratory events including new commissions, parties, book launches and off-site events. To end the year of celebrations, a refurbishment of the reception and foyer area took place in February 2009 maximising space for a free online computer resource area and more extensive shop to stock a wider range of specialist and limited edition publications as well as a selection of gifts and cards.

Exhibitions Policy
Site Gallery’s exhibition programme has a commitment to show work by nationally and internationally based artists, often commissioning new work or offering audiences a UK premiere. The programme maintains a balance between photography, installation, electronic media and film & video work. The gallery originates all exhibitions through internal or external curation and aims to offer commissions where possible. The policy is to show innovative, challenging and creative work of international standard as well as emergent talent. A balance is sought between one person shows of high profile artists, group shows bringing together established artists and artists at the beginning of their career and exhibitions addressing contemporary debates and issues. There is also a commitment to support the dynamic field of live art. The gallery also aims to support artists at the beginning of their careers by means of an exhibition & commissioning scheme for emergent artists. All exhibitions are free to enter and are contextualised with educational and/or critical events.