S1 Artspace was set up by a group of artists in 1995 and has been responsible for one of Sheffield's most exciting contemporary art programmes ever since. When it's not bringing in exciting new pieces by contemporary visual artists from around the world – for instance the brilliant, climbable Brutalist Playground in 2016 – the S1 gallery regularly showcases the fruits of its own studios. Its on-site studios are home to around twenty of the city's most exciting young artists.
The studio complex and gallery outgrew its original spot above Corporation in 2010, expanding to the side of the nightclub. A few years later, it was on the move again. This time, it was over the tram tracks, far away from Corp and its quad vods, and up to Park Hill, the 1960s housing estate that greets railway passengers in brutalist style as they pull into Sheffield station.
At the end of 2016, S1's artists took up residency in a corner of the sprawling estate that's yet to be renovated, together forming a creative home and a valuable support system. Since S1 is a collaborative, artist-led operation, these studio-holders are involved in all decision-making, and work closely with the curators when it comes to exhibitions and events. The S1 Artspace gallery followed, opening in Park Hill in July 2018.
2021 update:
S1 Artspace will reopen its gallery doors from Friday 4 June. It will open with the new exhibition Here in This Room, part of the Sheffield Doc/Fest Arts Programme. Read S1 Artspace's visitor safety info.
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