Key Fund has awarded Theatre Deli a mixed grant and loan to the value of £150,000 over a ten year period to refurbish their new Sheffield venue.

National arts charity Theatre Deli has been awarded a mixed grant and loan of £150,000 in order to refurbish their new venue. The award includes a grant of £50,000 and a loan of £100,000, to be paid back over a ten year period. The fund will allow Theatre Deli to renovate their new Arley Street venue, part of Cuthbert House, which is home to a collection of artist studios run by CADS. 

The Investment provided by the Northern Cultural Regeneration Fund, has been received via Key Fund, and is funded by the Department for Digital, Culture Media and Sport (DCMS), as part of the legacy of the Great Exhibition in the North. 

Due to open in spring 2023, plans for Theatre Deli’s space include rehearsal studios with custom-built dance floors, a performance space with capacity of over 100, an open office area for hot desking, and a bar and cafe. The venue will be decorated by Yorkshire artist Nicole-Rose Munhawa who recently designed the organisation’s new City of London venue.

Located a stone’s throw from the bustle of London Road and the thriving New Era Square, Theatre Deli’s Arley Street venue will join a list of popular attractions in the area, including Treehouse Boardgame Cafe and Golf Fang.

---

One of Theatre Deli London' studios with abstract murals by Yorkshire artist Nicole-Rose Munhawa

Theatre Deli's new Sheffield building on Arley Street 

---

Previously based in the old Woolworths on the Moor Market and later in a former Mothercare on Eyre Street, Theatre Deli moved into their Arley Street space in May 2022. Since the move, the company has supported six artists across London and Sheffield through their residency programme, including ring-fenced support for disabled and underrepresented communities. Earlier this year, Theatre Deli was also one of four Sheffield arts organisations selected to distribute the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authorities’ Additional Restrictions Grant to Sheffield-based artists and companies, with a focus on performing arts. Over summer 2022, Theatre Deli assisted in engaging local dance artists and communities in The Supercompensation Cycle, a large-scale dance project created as part of the UEFA Women’s Euros 2022 celebrations in Sheffield.

A national meanwhile-space charity, Theatre Deli’s model involves taking over unused spaces to support artists and offer communities access to the arts. The Denby Suite will be Theatre Deli’s third Sheffield venue and thirteenth venue nationally including the charity’s new London base situated next to the Gherkin, which opened its doors in July 2022. Theatre Deli's new Sheffield venue is due to open its doors in spring 2023. 

---

An artist's impression of what the renovated performance space in the venue will look like, showing a backstage area, raised stage and lighting desk along with five rows of lights suspended from the ceiling.

---

“After a string of recent news stories revealing the precarity of essential Sheffield arts venues and infrastructure - most obviously highlighted in headlines about the Leadmill - we are determined and delighted to be able to create what we hope will be a significant and reliable resource to Sheffield’s artists and communities, and I’m pleased to be working collaboratively with Key Fund and CADS to make it happen.” 

David Ralf, Executive Director & CEO of Theatre Deli

“I am so pleased that Theatre Deli’s investment proposal was approved by Key Fund’s Investment Panel. As previous clients, it’s wonderful to see how Theatre Deli has grown and has been able to access social investment once again; to realise their aspirations for their new venue. We look forward to seeing how the venue develops over the coming months and I personally look forward to working with David and the team to support them in their social impact ambitions, whilst cultivating a vibrant cultural space in Sheffield."

Karen Hobson, Investment Manager (Central Yorkshire & Humber) for Key Fund 

               

---

Banner image from left: Kelly Bradley, Theatre Deli Board Member, Karen Hobson Key Fund Investment Manager (Central Yorkshire & Humber), David Ralf, CEO and Executive Director for Theatre Deli