Kelham Island has changed a lot since the local arts collective, KIAC, established itself on the upper floors of a crumbling ex-engineering works in late 2010. The area then reflected the space they occupied. A decayed post-industrial hinterland, brownfield sites and the shells of empty works the haunt of those that had fallen through the cracks, a few metalworking and light engineering firms all that was left of the industries that once dominated the area. Cultural activity in the area then were mostly based around music, with Yellow Arch Studios and ATIC providing rehearsal space for some notable bands (Including the Arctic Monkeys). Graffiti Art flourished, often high quality, but generally hidden within the abandoned factories.

Fast forward 12 years and much has changed. Flats and houses have sprung up on and even in the old industrial sites and buildings. A thriving nightlife is served by well known bars, restaurants and pubs, and creative and new tech businesses rub shoulders with the surviving traditional industries. An initiative led by KINCA, the community alliance, has seen the streets abound with colourful art on the utility boxes.

Murals, sculptures and street art by many artists run from Alma Street to Neepsend Lane, (there are regular tours of these arranged through the KINCA) and in the Lion Works site is WOMP, a shared studio space for contemporary artists. Ball Street Bridge has become a hub for community activities, with artists frequently gathering on a Sunday to paint al fresco. KIAC has grown from 5 members to 24, and opened Gage, a 150sqm glass roofed whitewalled gallery utilised by a wide range of Sheffield Artists, which will showcase work by the Pennine Artists group, and KIAC’s life drawing sessions, during Open Up 2023.

To see what’s on visit KIAC and plan a visit to Kelham Island. Images of the utility cabinets project along with murals on Green Lanes (the are 13 in total on this stretch of wall) by John Wilkinson and Simon Wigglesworth Bakers.