Out & About in the Cultural Industries Quarter

This summer, Site Gallery, the Showroom Workstation, Yorkshire Artspace and Bloc Projects collaborate to bring you four weekend-long outdoor events. Out & About will be hosted in the Cultural Industries Quarter Square, with each weekender spotlighting a unique theme - from city living and creativity, to live music and sustainability.

Urban Futures / 2 & 3 July / 11am-6pm

“What could the future of our city look like? What part can we play in the shaping of our urban environment? And what changes would you like to see in your city - 10, 100 or even 1,000 years into the future?” The family-friendly Urban Futures Weekender is a chance to ask these questions and explore themes of architecture, urban planning and alternative realities.

Amongst the vibrant programme, you can join architectural practitioner, researcher and lecturer John Orlek for a workshop to explore how artist-led housing could shape the future of our neighbourhoods, and drop in on Sheffield-based architecture practice Studio Polpo, who’ll be leading a Buildings of the Future walking tour.

Montez Press Radio will present live segments from 12-4pm on both days, inviting artists and visitors to chat about their experiences at Urban Futures, and Rebecca and Julie from the fabulous Birdhouse Tea Company will be in attendance at the CIQ Square, providing tasty food and drink, and of course, serving up their delicious range of teas.

Freshly Squeezed / 30 July / 12-9 pm

The Freshly Squeezed weekender is a two-day festival of live music and workshops taking place in Site Square, programmed by and showcasing some of the most talented young creatives, musicians and producers in the city. It’s a celebration of the local youth, brought to you by groups who champion equality and diversity.

The Saturday is hosted by Hope Works and will feature live performances by artists who have taken part in Pattern and Push, their talent competition for rappers and singers in South Yorkshire. Meanwhile, the Sunday events will be brought to you by the current members of DINA’s Young Producers programme, and Site Gallery will be launching a new zine, produced by their very own Society of Explorers in collaboration with Andro and Eve.

Paint Jam / 6 & 7 August, 11am – 6pm

The Paint Jam Weekender celebrates art and creativity in the public realm. Grab a map and explore a series of newly-commissioned murals, sited on the facade of popular locations along the Creative Industries Quarter. You can expect to see exciting new work by nationally and internationally recognised artists in a celebration of the city’s unique character, heritage and communities.

Head to the CIQ Square to get involved in an exciting breakdancing workshop hosted by Rationale Arts, and say hello to artist Liah Edwardes who’ll be drawing single-line portraits for her installation Collecting Faces, giving visitors the chance to watch her work and even be a part of it themselves.

Sustainability / 3 & 4 September / 11am-6pm

The Sustainability Weekender is the fourth and final instalment of Out & About, offering a range of free, age-inclusive activities and learning opportunities revolving around environmental, social and personal sustainability. There will be activities to explore, art to engage with, food to eat and food for thought. All are welcome.

Social Pickle - an offshoot of Foodhall - will offer hands-on educational workshops exploring the merits and how-tos of food preservation methods like pickling and fermenting. You’ll also have the opportunity to learn about important self-sufficiency skills, such as how to save seeds, forage safely and maintain a successful garden. Find Social Pickle and other local community groups, creatives, and eco-conscious artists in the Cultural Industries Quarter on the 3 & 4 September.