Meet the 14 artists who have been announced as our very first cohort of The Bank! These writers, directors and producers will be supported for the next 12 months in their new home, The Bank - our dedicated space for talent development, which opens its doors today.

These artists will be offered bespoke support, training, artistic opportunities and professional development.

The four directors are Hassun El Zafar, Nadia Emam, John Rwothomack and Elin Schofield who will enjoy a host of opportunities including working as an assistant director on a Sheffield Theatres’ production. Four producers - James Ashfield, Hannah Crawford, Alfie Heffer and Miriam Schechter - will receive seed funding to develop an idea, event or production using The Bank as their base, drawing on the support of the producing team at Sheffield Theatres. And six writers: Ella Hardy, Todd Heppenstall, John Hunter, Laura Lindsay, Kat Rose Martin and Tim Norwood will benefit from monthly masterclasses and mentoring as well as having their work included in a showcase, read or performed by professional actors in front of an invited audience at The Bank.

Also announced is Sarah Sharp as Talent Development Coordinator with a remit to curate the programme at The Bank, collaborate with the supported artists and connect with talented people across the city region.

Robert Hastie, Artistic Director of Sheffield Theatres said: “There is a wealth of talent in our city and across our region and we’re passionate about providing meaningful support to nurture the next generation of artists and makers in the North.

“The Bank will be a dedicated space where our fourteen artists and talented people from across the region can create, explore ideas, develop and grow. I’m looking forward to seeing how the artistic community will breathe life into the space, how Sarah will curate the programme and the work that our supported artists will create over the next year.”

Want to know more about the artists involved? Click here to hear from them.