It is with much sadness that Ignite Imaginations, a Sheffield-based arts charity dedicated to inspiring creativity and connecting communities, announces its closure.
The organisation will formally cease operations at the end of March 2025, after over 20 years of delivery, during which it has fostered countless opportunities for people of all backgrounds to connect, learn, and express themselves through visual arts. Ignite Imaginations (which began its journey as Art in the Park) has provided paid work for over 50 artists in Sheffield, worked with thousands of individuals and raised over £1.5 million for the arts in the city.
However, the landscape for small charities has grown increasingly challenging, with dwindling funding streams and rising operational costs, leaving Ignite Imaginations with no viable path for sustainable growth.
The charity, which marked its 20th anniversary with a celebration event earlier this year, has fought hard to stay operational in a challenging climate after the Covid-19 pandemic.
Luisa Golob has been the charity’s CEO for the past 16 years and knows all too well the daily challenges of running a small arts charity;
“From running one off events in parks, borrowing gazebos and surviving off small pots of funding to being a stand out, award winning organisation for community arts within Sheffield; Ignite Imaginations is something Sheffield should be proud of. At our height we had 5 staff members, 30 artists and ran multiple projects and contracts across our communities.
It has been incredible to support individuals at all levels and engagement of the organisation to grow in confidence, creative skill and most importantly in my opinion, feel like, through Ignite Imaginations a door has been opened to new opportunities. It has been a struggle throughout our history, as it is for many small charities, to raise funds. But we have fought and thrived through some tough times from recessions to pandemics but now the time has come to close our doors.
Twenty years of delivery is something to be proud of, to celebrate and be grateful for. I know we have provided that first opportunity for many to open up their imaginations and creativity, to be paid as an artist, to exhibit work or to connect to their communities. These firsts are never forgotten and I know the paths we have paved will continue to flourish and grow beyond our own existence.”
The closure of Ignite Imaginations will leave a gap in the provision of free creative opportunities for communities and individuals facing economic and social barriers, on a daily basis, across the city. Partners have included Family Voice, Roshni, Parson Cross Initiative and Sharrow Community Forum, with the annual Sharrow Autumn Carnival being a highlight in the calendar and one which has had a profound impact on decreasing incidents of anti-social behaviour in the area around bonfire night. Rachel Cosens from Sharrow Community Forum said “We are very sorry to hear this sad news. Ignite have been a cherished part of the community for such a long time, that the gap will be felt across our networks.”
Justin Banks, Chair of Ignite Imaginations said: “On behalf of the board I would like to recognise the fantastic work that has come from this amazing organisation over so many years. I have personally seen on many occasions how Ignite has impacted so many people: from the very young to those who have lived a life without access to arts and culture; in such a profound way.
The impact Ignite created has been a truly communal effort, and I would like to recognise and give thanks to our committed trustees, our artists whose skills have enriched so many Sheffielder’s lives, and most of all the wonderful staff who have worked tirelessly to create a much loved organisation.
When I think of Ignite Imaginations, it won’t be this sad time I remember, but the many, many smiling faces I saw at so many of the events we ran. I am certain that one day soon charities like Ignite Imaginations will thrive again.”
Ignite Imaginations extends its heartfelt thanks to its supporters, partners, artists, volunteers, funders and community members who have allowed the charity to deliver fantastic projects and events in the heart of communities for so long. The legacy of this work will live on in the lives touched, friendships formed, and artistic talents inspired over the years.
Ignite will host its final Annual Conference early next year, to mark the end of Ignite's time in the city and to thank partners and everyone involved in the charity, for their support over the years. Book for the event here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/finding-new-paths-resilience-and-entrepreneurial-thinking-in-the-arts-tickets-1101049361279
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