Sheffield Modern
Where art, architecture and design overlap
Sheffield Modern is an arts festival inspired by the city’s architecture. It encourages people to think about, and engage with, the city in new and creative ways.
Our studio created Sheffield Modern – from brand identity to event production. We’ve produced two festivals to date, with events spanning exhibitions, installations, performances, family-friendly workshops, walks, talks, film screenings, and more.
Creative approach
The brand identity we created for Sheffield Modern consists of a series of graphic shapes that reference our favourite buildings in the city. These shapes, plus a bold colour palette and simple typography, work together to create a cohesive visual language.
We created a range of print and display materials, an extensive social campaign and a range of merchandise. You could say we got a bit carried away.
“You have achieved something of real quality and cultural significance for this city.”
Simon Chadwick, Sheffield School of Architecture
“Totally inspirational. Great talks. Exceptional value for money and great organisation. Also loved the design of everything.”
Sheffield Modern attendee
Sheffield Modern: photography and essays
Our Sheffield Modern book features beautiful photography by Theo Simpson and essays on the city’s housing, civic buildings and infrastructure by Owen Hatherley, Tom James and The Modernist Society’s Eddy Rhead. Beautifully bound in a delicious red pocket with gloss black foil.
Teamwork makes the dream work
Sheffield Modern has been a hit, with events bringing over 1000 people to each festival. Working with good people is key to making this happen, and we got REALLY lucky. Our collaborators shared their ideas, skills and time with us. Some shared their buildings. Everyone shared their enthusiasm.
The Modernist Society helped us with Modernists in Conversation, a packed day of talks. Corin Mellor let us use the glorious Round Building cutlery factory for a sound installation by the SONA collective. Sheffield Society of Architects helped hundreds of kids build cityscapes from cardboard and Lego. Mick of Friday Night Ride led bike rides and walks all over the city. Peter and Jon made buildings come to life. Kisha got kids making concrete bowls. We could go on.
Sheffield Modern: In C.
A concert in a lift
Revolutionary music in a revolving setting – for Sheffield Modern's launch event, we organised a modernist concert in a lift. The University of Sheffield’s Arts Tower and its rare paternoster lift formed the backdrop for Terry Riley’s minimalist masterpiece, In C. Musicians from across the city performed from within the paternoster’s continuously moving compartments. Composer collective Platform 4 led them in this extraordinary concert experience.
We still can’t believe we were allowed to do this. It’s a good job Will Roberts made a film. Big thanks to Stewart Campbell and Kath Harding for helping make this happen.
“I thought the idea was brilliant, and it didn't disappoint. A truly wonderful experience.”
Audience member at Sheffield Modern: In C
One Hundred Views of the Arts Tower
As part of Sheffield Modern we created One Hundred Views of the Arts Tower. The exhibition celebrated Sheffield’s original (and most elegant) high rise.
From an open call we brought together a hundred artworks – photos, embroidery, painting, ceramics, oral history and more – created by people across the city. We curated, designed and installed the exhibition in Western Bank Library, connected to the Arts Tower.
