The first part of this research project is backed by the University of Sheffield and the Cultural Consortium and we are compiling this information to ensure that already existing figures for Sheffield include both artists and studios that previous surveys have not managed to incorporate. All information will be purely used to bring together the wider figures on the creative sector in the city which are currently lacking and can be used by all organisations to help with their own particular needs or requirements. The information we need covers number of artists, type of occupation and studio based premises and will allow us to map the very important micro economies that make Sheffield such a fantastic place to live and work.

In the first instance the research will be used to assist with funding bids that will directly create opportunities for artists in the city and so we hope you will bear this in mind if such surveys generally make you reticent. Where the project goes beyond that depends upon those taking part. We would be delighted top continue the research beyond the initial remit and create a useable and ongoing database of artists in the city – as far as we know, no such facility is available anywhere else in the UK…

Over to you. We would love to hear from you and welcome your feedback.

Ellen McLeod & John Clark