Why treat Sheffield's leading cultural venues differently? - letter

The city’s leading venues have all had a tough time in the current pandemic.

However, I was intrigued as to why The Star’s sister title, the Sheffield Telegraph last week headlined two similar stories about support for two of our leading providers in such a contrasting way.

The story on page five led with ‘£2.6m bail out for SIV’.

However, a similar need for Sheffield Theatres referred to ‘Cash boost for theatres staves off disaster’ on the front page and ‘£675,000 rescue grant offers theatres a lifeline’ on page 21.

I am pleased both major providers have been recognised for their value to the city, but why is it okay to treat them in such a different way?

Both organisations bring huge enjoyment to a variety of local people, as well as being vital for bringing visitors to the city.

You continue to devalue the work of SIV and the challenge it has faced in still providing the hugely varied provision at City Hall, the Arena, IceSheffield and its other venues when it has had a huge shrinkage in the support Sheffield Council has been able to provide over the last 10 years.

Too much was asked in my opinion.

Both providers seek to be inclusive of all local people.

However, I still think SIV would still take the prize of reaching more local people than any other and that is not to diminish the work Sheffield Theatres has and continues to do.

Keith Crawshaw

Former Sheffield Council head of leisure servicesCrookes