This Wednesday Showroom Cinema here in Sheffield hosted all manner of local creatives in an event held by the South Yorkshire Cultural and Creative Industries Network (SYCCIN).
The event brought together key figures from politics, music, dance, and the wider creative industries to discuss how to strengthen South Yorkshire’s creative economy.
There was a panel of esteemed speakers including council leader Tom Hunt, Sheffield musician, creative entrepreneur, and lead singer of Reverend and The Makers Jonathan McClure, Vanessa Threadgold – Founder of Cactus City UK and Rob Speranza Director of the South Yorkshire Filmmakers Network.
The local creative industries have proven to be a great asset for the region. It provides £200 billion to the economy and employs 31 thousand people, and the industry continues to grow year on year
They discussed the role of networking, regional creative opportunities, and challenges facing South Yorkshire’s cultural and creative industries.
There were also remarks from Mayor Oliver Coppard, who shared his vision for South Yorkshire’s creative industries.
He and Councillor Hunt discussed the potential of the region and the need for more support and funding for the creative and cultural industries including funding and providing physical spaces.
Mayor Coppard said: “We have to be noisier louder and more strategic.
“I just want us to walk with a swagger … and culture and creativity is the root of confidence”
Councillor Hunt said: “People are dreaming, but perhaps we as authorities haven’t matched that…The pounds people have in their pockets are fundamental to access opportunities.
He emphasized that networking events like this provide a valuable opportunity to connect with professionals and build relationships within those industries.
“We’ve got 7 thousand students on creative industry courses and we need to make sure there are routes for them to stay in the city and pursue careers here” he said
The ‘See It Be It’ programme also introduces students to these figures in creative industries.
Jonathan McClure said: “As a Sheffield native, it’s the best city to be creative…it has a culture that inspires creativity…people are doing things today.”
In a way, the creative industries are helping fill the void of the old steel industries and helping forge a new future.
He also emphasised the need to maintain the city’s identity and grit to avoid gentrification.
“Money follows culture but money also edges out culture“ he said.
Ultimately the message from the evening was resounding: South Yorkshire’s creative industries are ready to shine, but they need the tools, spaces, and collective effort to ensure to go all the way.
