Sheffield woman recognised for her dedication and devotion to the arts in special photography exhibition

Moji Elufowoju is the founder and artistic director of Utopia Theatre, a Sheffield based theatre company formed in 2012.

She will feature in a unique photography exhibition - The National Lottery’s 2020 Portraits of the People - which celebrates 13 individuals who have worked tirelessly during the pandemic to bring creativity, enjoyment and enrichment to people in new ways.

Moji said: “When I was growing up in Nigeria, where I did my first degree, I wanted to read theatre but my parents wouldn’t allow me to so I ended up studying English Literature.

“As a grown woman and a mature person, I wasn’t happy in my job and just wanted something different. I went to Drama School and the maturity I had at that time meant I wasn’t looking at the industry in the way a lot of my colleagues were in terms of ‘who is going to give me a job’. I was looking at it from the point of view that I had wanted to do this all my life, and I now had the opportunity to do it. I had to find a way to make sure that I can do it as it is a very difficult industry to penetrate.”

57-year-old Moji is passionate in ensuring representation in her work and seeks to create and promote work by and for black artists.

As the arts industry suffers from the effects of Covid-19, she believes that attracting more diverse audiences will be vital for the future of mainstream theatre.

It is thanks to emergency funding from The National Lottery that she has been able to continue with the virtual training workshops she has been delivering throughout lockdown.

Moji, who lives in the Heeley area of Sheffield, explained: “If it wasn’t for that funding, all the work we have put in and all the work we are doing online – we wouldn’t have been able to do. We’ve been able to make an immense impact on people’s lives.”

She added: “People were enjoying it from Korea, Russia, Israel – they were able to join on Zoom and participate in those workshops.

“A lot of them were involved with theatre, music, movement - every day there was something to attend.

“There were people who attended every single session. There was a dance session, a movement session, a directing session, playwriting courses – all from very experienced and well-respected people in the industry.”

Darren Henley, CEO of Arts Council England, said: “People in the UK have a great love of creativity, art and culture. We know these things can bring us together, enrich our lives, support our emotional wellbeing, and make us happier.”

The portraits of Moji and the 12 other individuals - which have been captured by celebrity photographer Chris Floyd - aim to create a ‘moment in history’, preserving their work for posterity and encapsulating the innovative ways art can be expressed.

Eight of the UK’s most iconic art galleries have come together for the free digital exhibition, which can be visited throughout November on websites including: The National Portrait Gallery, The British Film Institute, and more.

In these confusing and worrying times, local journalism is more vital than ever. Thanks to everyone who helps us ask the questions that matter by taking out a digital subscription or buying a paper. We stand together. Nancy Fielder, editor.