Online auction takes place to help save the future of Art House in Sheffield

Due to Covid-19 which has resulted in having to close its doors, the Art House, on Backfields in the city centre, is at risk of permanent closure.

A small team of non-furloughed staff has been working hard to raise vital funds to help ensure the community resource is able to reopen when government guidelines allow.

One way it is doing this is through an online art auction.

Artists including Pete McKee – whose mural ‘Our Muriel’ graces one of the exterior walls of the Art House – Joe Scarborough, Coralie Turpin, Karen Hessenberg, James Green and many more have donated work to the auction in support of the charity.

The Big Yorkshire Art Auction will take place on May 30, via Bid In online auction.

A spokesman for the Art House said: “The Art House is a unique creative space in the heart of Sheffield city centre, known for delivering creative wellbeing activities in a welcoming environment.

“The co-location of wellbeing and commercial activities creates a purposeful setting where people come together to pursue a common passion for the creative arts.

“Wellbeing students gain insights into their strengths and capabilities and progress at a pace that suits them.

“There are several individual and artistic progression pathways students can follow, knowing they will be supported along the way.

“The Art House works with individuals to discover and reinforce their strengths and abilities; this may include learning a new skill or technique, working with a new art medium or being more active with their art work at home.

“The Art House’s distinctive approach to supporting wellbeing is a clear focus on art and skills development.

“Participants focus on their art and creativity rather than on any mental health diagnosis.

One volunteer said said: “I would describe the Art House as a big friendly community.

“It takes you on a journey of learning new skills, building friendships and opening up opportunities.”

And a participant in its pottery classes said: “The Art House is an important part of my life and I don’t know where I would be without them.”

Visit gofundme.com/f/daisy039s-campaign-for-the-art-house

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