Kelham Island & Neepsend art and studios tour

The Kelham Island Art and Studios Tour is an opportunity to be guided by a local artist through the fascinating art that can be seen in and around the buildings and streets of Kelham Island and Neepsend. It also includes a chance to see inside the studios of local working artists at Kelham Island Arts Collective. Recently named as one of the ‘coolest neighbourhoods in the world’ by Time Out, Kelham Island has long been a hub of Sheffield’s art scene, and this tour shows why.

The tour highlights famous works such as Frank the dog by Sheffield’s much loved Pete McKee, as well as The Conversation by Italian/Mexican artist Jupiterfab. It also includes a range of high profile local artists such as Phlegm, Bubba 2000, Jo Peel, Robin of Loxley and Kieran Flynn. But it’s not all about street art, it also introduces the public-commissioned sculpture and historic work that stretches back to the days when Kelham Island and Neepsend were at the heart of Sheffield’s industry.

What makes this tour different is the chance to also visit Kelham Island Arts Collective (KIAC) to see the studios of artists whose work can also be seen throughout the local area. There’ll also be visits to famous local venues, such as Church, with its exciting artwork inspired by South American religious iconography, and the ever changing exhibitions in the Gardener's Rest pub. The tours are led by Simon Wigglesworth-Baker, the founding director of KIAC and lead artist on the Kelham Island Arts and Heritage Trail project. Simon is a sculptor and curator whose public art works feature in the area.

Note: Please be aware that access to KIAC is via stairs, without any disabled access.