Information on Arts Council National Portfolio Application
Date: 30 March 2011
Site Gallery has been awarded an uplift from from Arts Council England’s National Portfolio funding stream taking the organisation from £170,291 in 2010/11 to £192,800 in 2012/13 with inflationary increases over the following two years. The new relationship with ACE will enable Site to develop opportunities for artists and audiences to produce and engage with the contemporary visual arts in Sheffield.
The most immediate impact of this investment will be an artistic programme across 2011 and beyond showcasing the best established and emerging artists, premiering exciting international-standard work from both the city and world-wide and offering a diverse programme of talks and events. This includes:
- The first UK solo-show by New York-based Eva and Franco Mattes – artists who have been contributing at the highest level internationally for over a decade.
- It will allow Site, in collaboration with S1 Artspace, to bring New Contemporaries to Sheffield for the first time since the early 90s. This exhibition of the best in new and contemporary work by artists who are still at or have recently left art school attracts tens of thousands of visitors annually and offers a snapshot of new artistic talent.
- Taking a leadership role in building opportunities for artists and developing audiences for contemporary art across the region.
- The development of Site’s young people’s programme supporting developing artists in the region starting with a summer school project throughout August.
Quotes:
Patron – Jarvis Cocker:
‘Site is a place that supports innovative new projects that also relate to its local audience. I’m happy that Sheffield has a gallery that is not just a ‘poor relation’ of the bigger national galleries but is forging a name for itself and gaining recognition internationally.’
Chair – Angela Galvin:
‘These are difficult times for the arts as they are for many other sectors. It’s been a tense wait for ACE’s decision and we now look forward to demonstrating the full impact and value that investing in the arts can bring not only to artists and audiences but also to our city. We’re delighted at ACE’s show both of trust in our track record and confidence in our future under the leadership of Site’s new Director, Laura Sillars.
Director of Culture at Sheffield City Council – Paul Billington:
‘Sheffield City Council is delighted at the news that Site Gallery has received support from the Arts Council. Site plays a major role in the city’s cultural life and the City Council looks forward to working with them and the Arts Council to maximise the benefit.’
Director – Laura Sillars:
‘I am delighted that Site Gallery will be supported as a national portfolio organisation. Site has big ambitions for the future. This funding from ACE, together with continued backing from Sheffield City Council, will support Site as it significantly develops its offer for artists and audiences in the city and beyond. Site has a tremendous history in working with some of the best artists living and working today. It has supported several young artists who went on to win prestigious awards such as the Turner Prize. As the arts ecology in the UK is under increasing pressure, we do not take this funding for granted and are committed to working with partners in the city and internationally to maximize the value of ACE’s investment, ensuring Yorkshire has a robust contemporary art offer for future audiences.