Projects

Yellow Arch – MVT

Completed: 2026
Location: Sheffield
Region:
Other local partners: High Park Timber, Dulux

About the project

What does this community space/venue do?
Yellow Arch Studios is a well-known independent music venue, rehearsal complex, and recording studio in Sheffield that has played a major role in supporting grassroots music, emerging artists, and the wider creative community for many years. Alongside hosting live music events and performances from both local and nationally recognised acts, Yellow Arch provides affordable rehearsal and studio space for musicians, helping nurture new talent and create opportunities for artists to develop their careers. The venue is also heavily community-focused, regularly supporting creative workshops, youth engagement, training opportunities, and inclusive cultural events that bring people together through music and the arts. Its welcoming and accessible environment has helped establish it as not just a music venue, but a valued creative hub that contributes positively to Sheffield’s cultural identity and local community wellbeing.
What is VIY doing?
VIY will be looking to align this project with the “Feel at Home” element of the MVT funding by transforming the current green room at Yellow Arch into a far more welcoming, modern, and comfortable space for artists and performers. At present, the room is in poor condition, with tired décor and flaky white walls creating an uninviting environment backstage. VIY will look to create a much more stylish, cosy, and artist-friendly atmosphere that reflects the creative nature of the venue itself.

The project would include completely refreshed décor, new colour schemes, and the potential installation of bespoke timber shelving/storage units built from scratch to further enhance the functionality and appearance of the space. These design ideas and final elements remain subject to change depending on the confirmed project scope following the site discussions taking place week commencing 8th June.

In addition, VIY will explore the creation of a purpose-built changing facility from scratch, ideally incorporating a toilet, basin, and basic shower facilities. Currently, there are no dedicated backstage toilet facilities for performers, meaning artists are required to use the same toilets as audience members. Introducing a dedicated backstage facility would significantly improve the overall experience, comfort, and professionalism for artists using the venue.

What will be the impact of our project?
The impact of these improvements would be significant for both artists and the wider venue experience. Creating a modern, comfortable, and welcoming backstage environment would help artists feel far more relaxed, valued, and supported whilst performing at Yellow Arch, positively contributing to wellbeing and mental health in what can often be a high-pressure and exhausting industry. Providing dedicated dressing and changing facilities, alongside private toilet and wash areas, would also greatly improve privacy, professionalism, and comfort for performers, removing the current need for artists to share public toilet facilities with audience members.

The refreshed spaces would help create a much more positive first impression of the venue for touring musicians, helping Yellow Arch continue to build its reputation as a leading grassroots music venue that genuinely cares about artist experience. In turn, this could help attract more performers, strengthen relationships with touring acts, and support the long-term sustainability and cultural value of the venue within Sheffield’s music and creative community.

Project contact: charlie@teamviy.com.