About Us
Create Sheffield is Sheffield’s Local Cultural Education Partnership (LCEP). Formed in 2016, Create Sheffield is one of 15 LCEPs established in Yorkshire and Humber by IVE, the Arts Council’s Bridge Organisation for the region, in response to the Cultural Education Challenge. Find more information about this.
Create Sheffield was officially launched as a company in 2018, with a mission to bring arts and culture to as many young people as possible and to remove the barriers that stop young people getting involved. Read more about our governance and history.
Getting involved in arts and culture and developing your creativity is way more than just fun - it also boosts your health and wellbeing, and teaches skills that are invaluable in the world of work. That’s why we’re determined to enhance the life of Sheffield’s young people.
How will we get there? Through collaboration and innovation; by developing sustainable partnerships with local artists and cultural organisations, and meaningful relationships with schools and young people, we aim to disrupt the cultural industry. Learn more about the problems we are trying to solved and find out how to get involved.
Charity number 1189387, Company number 11633729
Who do we benefit?
Create Sheffield emphasises the need to provide more opportunities and access to the arts for all young people in Sheffield. We primarily aim to benefit the lives of young people, defined as people aged between 0-24 years.
Our partners reap the benefits of our mission too, through learning opportunities, research and information, and new connections across all sectors. That’s why we are proud to work with a diverse range of stakeholders; from schools, to youth service, to local artists, to cultural organisations.
Who is involved?
Create Sheffield is a movement that we invite you to join - whether you’re a young person from our city, an arts and cultural partner, a teacher, a parent or carer!
Create Sheffield is also a charitable company with a Members Board and a core team that works on the project. They fill their days finding out what’s happening, joining things up and thinking of new ways to bring more creativity to the young people of Sheffield.
If you have a question for the Create Sheffield team or just want to send us a nice message, click here to get our contact details.
Meet the Team
Name: Laura Travis
What I do at Create Sheffield: Manager
Why I want to be involved in Create Sheffield: Sheffield is known as the city of little villages. So much great stuff happens but often it happens in isolation and not everyone knows about it or thinks it is for them. Great arts and culture needs to be by everyone and for everyone and this is where CreateSheffield can make a difference. By bringing together, and building on, the energy of people and organisations in Sheffield who care about creating rich, memorable experiences for children and young people we can work together to removethe barriers that stop young people getting involved. We can also work together to tackle some of the major inequalities in the city which lead to such differing opportunities for children and young people
My experience: I worked at Sheffield Museums for 15 years, most recently as Head of Learning and Participation. During that time I got to work with amazing artists, practitioners and organisations. I also got to experience first-hand the difference that arts and culture can make to the well-being of children and young people. I feel well embedded in the city's arts, culture and heritage sector and am passionate about bringing people together to make a difference.
When I’m not working for Create Sheffield I ... mainly make snacks for my son! I enjoy spending time outdoors, sometimes running slowly, other times just sitting and listening to the birds. I am also an avid reader and spend a lot of time at my local library. Apologies if you are waiting for one of the books I have stacked by my bed I promise to return them soon!
Contact me: laura@createsheffield.co.uk
Name: Katie Matthews
What I do at Create Sheffield: Administrator
Why I want to be involved in Create Sheffield: I am a big believer in the power of Arts and Culture. I love how it can help people feel more connected with themselves and each other, helping with confidence, self-expression, and self-esteem. It has shaped who I am today but I have also experienced first-hand how inaccessible the sector can be for a lot of people. Working at Create Sheffield I hope I can help more young people experience the joy that Arts and Culture can bring, helping them to realise they are creative and their voice is valid!
My experience: I have worked within the sector for the last 7 years starting as Executive and Capital Project assistant at S1 Artspace. It was here that I met some inspiring practitioners who showed me a different, more honest, and authentic art world which I felt motivated to be part of (Big love to Kerry Campbell and Resolve Collective).
In 2019, I co-founded my own not-for-profit with three of my best friends. Gut Level is a collective and venue that priorities the needs of LGBTQ+ people, women, and gender minorities. Our activity is mainly focused on skills and experience-sharing workshops alongside community parties - we strongly believe in the nourishing and connecting power of the dancefloor. I have learned so much from co-running my own organisation, from curating workshops and events to fundraising and finance - plus everything in between!
Doing this alongside friends has been the greatest experience and allowed me to grow as a person, guided by the (sometimes brutally) honest perspective of those closest to me.
When I’m not working for Create Sheffield I ... will most likely be at Gut Level or one of our events. The organisation is volunteer-run and takes up 99% of my time outside work however, I wouldn't have it any other way! Providing space and fun for people who felt there wasn't anywhere in Sheffield gives me purpose in life. You might also find me in the woods with my little dog Badger. I feel my calmest when I am amongst the trees.
Contact me: Katie@createsheffield.co.uk
Name: Sophie Hunter
What I do at Create Sheffield: Freelance Creative Producer
Why I like working at Create Sheffield: I like the fact that we are creating something completely new, that hasn’t happened before, and that's bigger than all of us - a real collective endeavour. I'm passionate about creating opportunities for all young people.
My Experience: I came to Sheffield to work in the education department of Sheffield Theatres in 1997. Since then I’ve worked in creative education as a facilitator, director and project manager in schools and in communities in Sheffield, and across Yorkshire. I co-founded Growtheatre, an outdoor theatre company that works out of Ecclesall Woods.
My Hobbies: spending time with my daughters, family and friends, walking in the Peaks, being creative.
Contact me: sophie@createsheffield.co.uk