Sheffield independent Showroom Cinema wins Government cash support

The Government’s £1.57 billion Culture Recovery Fund was set up to support organisations that have been affected by the Covid-19 crisis to stay afloat and provide them with support over a six-month period.

As a registered charity and Sheffield’s only independently-programmed cinema, the Showroom on Paternoster Row has played an integral role in championing diverse film from across the world for 25 years.

It is also the home to several festivals and cultural events, including the prestigious Doc/Fest, a celebration of international documentary-making and an industry showcase.

This award arrives at a crucial financial tipping point for the Showroom, say its bosses.

The culmination of a six-month closure, the costs of reopening and a 75% reduction in cinema seat capacity have severely depleted the reserves that were in place.

Ian Wild, CEO of Showroom Workstation said: “We are extremely delighted to receive this vital funding which enables us to remain open during these difficult times.

"We are grateful to DCMS, HM Treasury and the British Film Institute for supporting us.”

He continued: “Our team have worked incredibly hard to ensure we reopened safely after six months of closure during the pandemic.

"This funding will allow us to plan our next six months and look forward to continuing to present a diverse range of independent, foreign-language, documentary and archive films to Sheffield audiences.”

Brendan Moffett, chair of the board of trustees at Showroom Workstation, said: “The Cultural Recovery Funding is received with immense gratitude.

"With this, we can navigate the next six months – it safeguards jobs for longer and helps us to protect the Showroom Cinema which plays a pivotal role in Sheffield’s culture scene.”

For more information on the venue, visit showroomworkstation.org.uk/cinema

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