A community venue in Sheffield is facing funding problems in the final stretch of their project to build a new events space aiming to create social and creative opportunities for underrepresented people.
Gut Level launched in 2019 as a not-for-profit venue offering club nights, gigs, showcases, and a community garden for its members with a particular focus for the LGBTQ+ community.
Their project was founded due to the lack of financially accessible queer spaces in Sheffield and they aim to champion local talent and foster a sense of community.
Ben Purvis (they/them), 30, a research associate in Sheffield, said: “I went to my first Gut Level party in early 2022 and I have been a regular ever since.”
“Gut level is such an important space for the queer community of Sheffield. The nights are a safe place to party and be yourself, but the venue is also a much needed hub for community and activist groups.
“Both of these things are so rare, in Sheffield and beyond, and crucial in fostering solidarity and joy for marginalised people.”
They added: “Gut Level is one of the best things about Sheffield.”
Over the past year, Gut Level have been hosting events to raise funds for their new space but, due to unforeseen costs and rising prices, they are turning to the local community for help.
The new space strives to be inclusive to all and offers workshops and socials, communal meals, and monthly film nights.
Other events they have hosted include an introduction to DJing workshop, a craft social, as well as a scrapbooking and journaling session.
Additionally, Gut Level plans to use their roof terrace as a green space in the city centre and act as a new home for their community garden project Wet Patch.
Gut Level’s core values include paying staff above the national living wage, creating a safe social space for LGBTQ+ people, and providing a platform for underrepresented artists.
Gut Level’s team have set up a Go Fund Me page to help them get over the line and launch their new space.