Starter Studios

To foster new talent and support early career artists, Yorkshire Artspace now run 3 Starter Studio Programmes: for Designer Silversmiths & Jewellers, for Ceramicists and for artists with Engaged Practice.  Designed to help ambitious and entrepreneurial artists who are at an early career stage to develop their skills and creative enterprises in a supportive environment, the programmes offer access to shared workspace, equipment, technical and mentoring business advice as well as commission and exhibition opportunities. 

Sheffield is a friendly and lively city with a population of approx. 700,000.  It has an attractive city centre and busy nightlife.  It has been claimed that Sheffield has more artists than any other city in England apart from London.  It is located on the boundary of the Peak District National Park with good transport links to other parts of the country - approx. 2 hours to London and 1 hour to Birmingham, Nottingham and Leeds by train.  The city has a great support network to help emerging artists develop their practice.  Cost of accommodation is cheaper than most other cities in England and we at Yorkshire Artspace are happy to help you find your way round if you decided to move to Sheffield.

More details on the specific programmes below.

Starter Studio Programme for Designer Silversmiths & Jewellers \ Persistence Works Studios

This programme will be entering its 10th year.  Over the years we have supported 16 early- career designer silversmiths who have used the workshop facilities and programme to kick-start their careers.  Based in a fully equipped silversmith workshop at the award winning Persistence Works Studios in Sheffield,  most of the silversmiths who have completed the programme have set up their own silversmith workshop, either in Sheffield or other parts of the country.

This year we have opened the programme up to jewellers who make bespoke, one-off pieces and who can demonstrate a need for the use of the equipment and skills & design support on offer.

We selected Zoe Watts, Alexander Kerrison, Chiara Bet and Cathy Sutherland who started their programme on 10th October.  

The programme’s sponsor, supporters and funders are proud of what has been achieved over the last 9 years and delighted to have contributed significantly to Sheffield’s aim to remain the UK centre for innovative metalwork design and craftsmanship.

We will be offering places on the programme to selected applicants on a first come first served basis with the option to be placed on a waiting list if the programme is over subscribed. We can accept up to 4 places per annum. The maximum period to be on the programme is 2 years. There may be an option to stay on for a further year if the starter wishes to stay in Sheffield and is on the waiting list for a studio with Yorkshire Artspace.

Historically renowned throughout the world as a centre of excellence for the cutlery industry it still has a good infrastructure for the silversmithing sector and many established silversmiths have workshops either at Yorkshire Artspace or elsewhere in the city. The Sheffield Assay Office has sponsored the programme since it started in 2002 and has commissioned every starter for the annual Little Gems commissions which go onto display at the Museums Sheffield: Millennium Galleries for six months each year. Our bi-annual Galvanize Sheffield festival is also a showcase for much of the work made by our starter silversmiths on the programme and the next festival in 2013 will co-incide with the 100th year of Stainless Steel which was invented in Sheffield.

We advise potential applicants to visit this fabulous workshop and studio complex before applying.  If you like more details or want to arrange a visit, please contact Mir Jansen, manager for the Silversmith Programme on mir@artspace.org.uk or 0114 2130111.

Profiles and website links for some of our former programme beneficiaries:

Katey Felton, who now has her own studio at Persistence Works Studios and regularly exhibits at Goldsmiths' Craft Fair. She is known for her repousse and chasing skills.  She works by commission and has worked with local company Henderson Relish to make a special edition silverware range. 

Paul Butler, now has his own workshop in Wales and still visits Sheffield and our studios regularly to complete some of his work.  He continues to design and make knives and is regularly commissioned to make award trophies.  He also designs and makes jewellery

Rebecca Lawley,  lives and works in Stockport where she divides her time between teaching and silversmithing.  She exhibits her work regularly and will take part in Interchange at Butcher Works Gallery as part of Galvanize Sheffield 2011

Victoria Kershaw, still lives and works in Sheffield and has her own silversmith studio at the Academy of Makers on Arundel Street, Sheffield.  She still exhibits her work widely and also regularly curates shows at the Butcher Works Gallery on Arunder Street, Sheffield.  

Owen Waterhouse, after completing the programme, Owen continued to do his MA at Sheffield Halam University.  He now has his own workshop at Persistence Works Studios where he continues to work in mixed metals.

Maya Selway returned to London after completing the programme and now has a workspace at Cockpits Arts.  She is regular exhibitor with Origin and makes work to commission. 

Victoria Delany went on to study for her MA at the Royal College.  She completed her studies in 2010 and now works from her own workshop in Hertfordshire.  She will be selling her new candlesticks at Wolf & Badger London

Rebecca Joselyn, continued to set up her own studio in Birmingham but has recently returned to Sheffield and now works from her studio at Persistence Works Studios.  She is regular exhibitor at Goldsmiths Fair in London

Sarah Denny, works from her own studio in North Yorkshire and a member of Contemporary Applied Art in London.  Sarah is well known for her sculptural and intricate hand-raised vessel forms.  She is also a honorary member of Bishopsland Educational Trust.

Christina Spencer works from her own studio in High Peak, Derbyshire.  Christina makes silver pierced bowls and jewellery.  She recently became a mum and now combines motherhood with part time silversmithing. 

Sarah Stevenson, recently set up her own studio in the north of Sheffield where she continues to make her work.  Sarah is interested in colour and won best newcomer at Manchester's Northern Contemporary Craft Fair 2009.

Stefan Tooke still works in Sheffield.  His specialism is forging and has become known for his spoon and ladle making.  Stefan will make new work for Galvanize Sheffield and show his work as part of Interchange at Butcher Works Gallery.

Charlotte Tollyfield, still has a bench space in the Starter Studio where she continues to make her work.  She was nominated for the National Metalwork Award 2010 and will exhibit new work in Interchange, part of Galvanize Sheffield 2011.

Anne Davis, completed the programme last year and went on to study for a Design & Technology teaching degree and wants to combine a career in teaching and silversmithing.  In her work she combines her silversmithing and woodworking skills.

Andrew Sutherland is now in his 2nd year of the programme and has already been nominated for a National Metalwork Award.  He is interested in mechanical movement and has recently been commissioned by sheffield Assay Office to make his aperture bowl for Galvanize Sheffield.  This work is now on display at Museums Sheffield: Millenium Gallery until September this year.

Michelle Clare joined the programme in October 2010 and only stayed for one year.  She has benefited from a number of commission opportunities inlcuidng including the Lord Mayor of Sheffield's annual commission for new graduate silvermsiths adn a commission to make new work for the recent Galvanize Sheffield Festival

Sally Cox also joined the programme in October 2010 and has recently been offered a Sheffield Assay Office commission to produce new work for Galvanize Sheffield.  Her silver salt grinder is currently on display at Museums Sheffield until September this year.

Mentors for the programme are Brett Payne, Chris Knight and Maria Hanson with design and technical skills advice delivered by Cameron Maxfield.  All our mentors are experienced, nationally known silversmiths and regularly exhibit in the UK and abroad.  

The programme is sponsored by Sheffield Assay Office and Sheffield Church Burgesses Educational Foundation.  

"I am extremely proud of what has been achieved over the last 9 years and delighted that the programme has contributed significantly to Sheffield's aim to remain the UK centre for innovative metalwork design and craftsmanship".  Ashley Carson, Assay Master, Sheffield Assay Office

"Having established and renowned silversmiths as our mentors has given us a better sense of direction.  Because they share their knowledge and experience so openly, it has really helped with determining how to take the first and often frightening steps to setting up our own silversmithing businesses" Sarah Denny, Silversmith (and previous beneficiary of the programme)

This programme now has its own facebook group page: http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#!/profile.php?id=100001677070913

Starter Studio Programme for Ceramicists \ Manor Oaks Studios

In August 2010, Yorkshire Artspace expanded its workspace provision with 4 brand new studios for crafts people in the Manor area of Sheffield, approx. 2 miles from Sheffield City Centre and situated on the site of a former deer park.  We have been working closely with our partner organisation Green Estate to develop these purpose built, eco-designed units which are especially suitable for crafts people.  With grants from Arts Council England - Yorkshire and Foyle Foundation we have set up a tailored starter studio and residency programme for ceramicists.   

Our first two starters: Miles Gavin and Joel Neild were selected in 2010 and started their programme in October 2010. We recently selected Aimee Fisher and Anne Laycock who recently graduated from De Montford University in Leicester and Manchester Metropolitan University respectively.  

In addition to the programme offer they also regularly share their studio with the resident artist who we select on an annual basis.  Edinburgh based ceramicist Frances Priest was our 2011 artist in residence.   On 24th November we will be selecting our second Manor Oaks Studios resident artist.

We have an annual intake of 2 to 3 ceramicists.  If you are looking to further your skills and professional development as a ceramicist/potter and you need access to equipped space, mentoring, exhibition opportunities and ongoing business support then this may be the opportunity you are looking for.  You will be part of a small and thriving community of crafts practitioners, receive mentor support from established ceramicists, enjoy free access to our annual Starting Out course and will have an opportunity to exhibit your work at the prestigious Millennium Gallery situated in Sheffield City Centre.  

If you like to find out more or arrange a visit to see the facilities for yourself, please do not hesitate to get in touch with Mir Jansen, Programme Manager at Yorkshire Artspace on 0114 2130111 or mir@artspace.org.uk.

Further details  are now downloadable from the right hand side of this page.

Starter Studio Programme for Engaged Practice \ Knutton Road Studios

The Starter Studio Programme for Engaged Practice will be located at our soon to be completed, brand new Knutton Road Studios based in the Parson Cross area of Sheffield.  This programme is designed for artists who are interested in exploring and developing their collaborative/socially engaged/community focused practice.  

Apart from access to a workspace at Knutton Road Studios, the selected artists will also be offered paid work opportunities, dedicated time with the Parson Cross artist in residence (currently Glasgow based artist Lisa Gallacher), access to mentors and ongoing business support.  

We have an annual intake of around 2 artists per year.  If you are looking to develop your skills and extend your knowledge of socially engaged practice in a supportive environment then this may be the opportunity you are looking for.  You will be part of a unique community of artists who receive mentor support from established practitioners, enjoy free access to our annual Starting Out course and will have an opportunity to research, devise and develop a project to be delivered in the Parson Cross neighborhood.  There is also the opportunity to link with Sheffield City Council's Public Art Officer and Museums Sheffield.    

We have recently offered places to artists Charlie Hill and Olivia Penrose who will join Ruthie Ford. 

If you like to find out more or arrange a visit of the studios and Parson Cross for yourself, please do not hesitate to get in touch with Rachael Dodd, Programme Manager at Yorkshire Artspace on 0114 2130111 or rachael@artspace.org.uk.

Further details are available to download on the right hand side of this page

Artist Ruthie Ford who joined our first programme in 2010, has already benefited from paid work opportunities through links we have with Sheffield City Council, Museums Sheffield and programme funding through Paul Hamlyn Foundation.

Ruthie recently negotiated for herself a place as artist in residence at Parson Cross Library as a means of getting to know the area, talking to local people and introducing them to what she is planning to do as an artist in their neighbourhood. Over the past weeks she has been chatting to people over her crocheted flowers, collaborative guerrilla knitting pieces and pompoms all of which will make an appearance on the streets of Parson Cross over the next few months.

Ruthie has also installed her giant crocheted and textile daffodils in the window of the library to celebrate spring, announce her residency and see the library off in style.

Ruthie will be in the library on Wednesday 27th April, 11th and 18th May, after which the library closes for their big move to the new District Centre. To view more go to project blog: http://ruthiefordprojectblogs.blogspot.com

Socially Engaged Adventures is a co-mentoring project between Ruthie Ford  and Ania Bas. During 2011 Ruthie and Ania are exploring socially engaged issues, language and practise whilst visiting artists, arts projects and arts organisations working in the field across the UK. The artists co-run a blog on a-n pages that maps their adventures: trips, meet ups as well as their research and ongoing work. To date Ruthie and Ania have met in Sheffield and London and now are planning a visit to Scotland. Follow their adventures on the blog and feel free to share your thoughts and comment! http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/1090364/0/1/desc