Sheffield students fighting to save ‘vital’ venue 'at the heart’ of city creative scene with virtual gig

Plot 22, a live music and studio space on Exchange Street in the city centre, is increasingly at risk of closure, and creatives across the city want to do something about it.

University of Sheffield student Tasha Collins, who with fellow students has set up a fundraiser, now wants to raise awareness of the ‘devastating financial impact’ that the pandemic has had on Sheffield’s arts scene and has set up a gofundme with a goal of £1,000.

There will also be a virtual fundraising gig showcasing up-and-coming Sheffield musicians at 6pm on February 27, with anyone attending the concert asked to donate towards keeping the venue open.

Tasha Collins said: “The pandemic has had a devastating financial impact on music venues and creative spaces all around the country.

"Many have had to close, leaving local creatives without a place to express themselves and show their art to the world.

"We want Plot 22 to stay open. This venue in the heart of Sheffield is a creative hub, hosting music concerts for many up-and-coming musicians as well as workshops and events for vulnerable people in Sheffield.

"Places like these are vital to Sheffield's vibrant music scene, but unfortunately Plot 22 is just one of many that has been hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic.”

Fellow arts venue Dryad Works in Parkwood Springs recently raised more than £40,000 to save it from extinction thanks to donations from arts lovers across the city and beyond.

Both Dryad Works and Plot 22 were two of thirty venues placed on the Music Venue Trust’s ‘at risk’ list that highlighted those most in danger from closure across the country due to the impact of the pandemic.

Now, Plot 22 needs financial support to make sure that it can offer its ‘vital’ creative services once it is safe for venues such as this in the city to reopen.

Visit the Facebook event to get involved with the virtual concert and find out how you can support Sheffield venues.