The Mayor of the Sheffield City Region has appointed a new director to help South Yorkshire’s arts, culture and heritage sector recover from the coronavirus pandemic.
Dan Jarvis has tasked Kate Brindley with attracting investment, growing participation and increasing tourism opportunities.
Kate Brindley said: “I am delighted to be appointed as the project director of arts, culture and heritage at this critical and exciting time for the sector and South Yorkshire.
“We want the region to be a place where people flourish through participation in arts and culture, and that our fantastic story and offer is recognised across the country and the globe.”
Kate Brindley will support galleries, among other facilities in South Yorkshire’s arts, culture and heritage sector.
Sheffield’s theatres, museums, galleries and visitor attractions have faced a tough time, but the Mayor is determined to get them back on their feet.
Mayor Dan Jarvis said: “The arts have the power to bring people together, something that is so desperately needed following months of social distancing and isolation.
“By uniting our cultural offer, we can put South Yorkshire back on to the national stage and attract millions of tourists a year to our region, giving our economy the boost and recognition it needs.”
Kate is very experienced as she previously worked for the Arnolfini in Bristol, the Middleborough Institute of Modern Art, Bristol Museums and Chatsworth.
This followed her childhood which she spent visiting the region’s theatres, cinemas, music venues and art galleries.
She said: “My experience of South Yorkshire’s rich cultural heritage fundamentally shaped who I am today.”
South Yorkshire’s arts and entertainment industry was not the only one to suffer, as it was one of the worst hit sectors by the pandemic nationally.
It experienced a 44.5% drop in monthly GDP output.
70% of workers in the sector were furloughed under the government’s coronavirus retention scheme, which was the second highest after accommodation and food services.