South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority – Culture and Devolution

Culture Devolution:

While the original South Yorkshire Devolution Deal (renamed from the Sheffield City Region devolution deal) makes no mention of culture, the Level 4 devolution framework includes culture. The Level 4 offer, and its constituent parts, are optional; institutions do not need to implement the package as a whole, unless otherwise specified. In relation to culture, DCMS ALBs would scope the potential for a collaborative partnership with eligible institutions, subject to factors such as institutions’ ambitions (e.g. culture, heritage, communities, the visitor economy and sports); priority of the place for ALBs; and sufficiency of ALB resourcing. The partnership would be reviewed annually, and subject to future capacity and appetite could be renewed up to a five-year period.

Autumn 2024 Budget:

The Government is implementing an integrated settlement for South Yorkshire from the start of the 2026-27 financial year. The Government is also increasing the City Region Sustainable Transport Settlements, which are funding projects such as the renewal of Sheffield’s Supertram system.

Culture Strategy:

South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authorityoutline their commitment via their Arts, Culture and Heritage hub. In 2021 SYMCA allocated £1m to the arts, culture and heritage sector in South Yorkshire to strengthen their creative talent and organisations and to start to unlock the untapped potential of art, culture and heritage in South Yorkshire.

Current Culture Projects:

• SYMCA and the four local Music Hubs across the region are to form a new South Yorkshire Music Hub, led by SYMCA and funded by the Arts Council England. As part of the agreement, SYMCA will receive an additional £600,000 capital grant from the Department of Education to invest in new musical instruments, equipment and technology tailored to the needs of children and young people in South Yorkshire, including those with special educational needs and disabilities.
• The Arts, Culture and Heritage sector in South Yorkshire generates £200m (Gross Value Added) and employs 6,400 people. 
• South Yorkshire Cultural and Creative Industries Network (SYCCIN), organised by Showroom Workstation and SYMCA, is open to all creative practitioners who would like to connect with organisations and industry voices. The SYCCIN pilot project concluded in September 2022 and the website states they are now planning next steps, although meetings are still going ahead.