Lungani Sibanda was born in Zimbabwe and has lived in many parts of Sheffield over the last twelve years.

“I first lived around Burngreave in the early nineties,” he explained.

Having finished work with the Millennium Volunteers at the Northern General, he is looking forward to the challenging role of his new position as development worker for the New Deal-funded Creative Burngreave project.

“I enjoy working with the young people as this is investing in their future and investing in ours.”

Now working hard and very excited about the Launch of Creative Burngreave, Lungani talks of a showcase of work by Burngreave artists to be launched on 23rd October.

“At present I work alongside my colleague Alka Prabhakar and we’re being fully supported by the Sheffield Arts Education team,” continued Lungani. “There will also be a position for a trainee Arts Development Officer who will be recruited from the Burngreave area.”

Creative Burngreave also has funding available for local people setting up arts projects and establishing themselves. The Creative Burngreave Project Grant will be available to help create music, art, dance, drama, film, short stories and literature. The project will also be helping to develop links between local artist and the professional world of arts.

“The aim of my job is to mobilize all those involved locally in the arts, for all we know we may have the next P Diddy or Van Gogh out there,” said Lungani smiling.

For all those out there that I know are interested in music, drama, acting, drawing, singing or dancing, contact Lungani Sibanda at Sheffield Arts Education on 221 1891, or pay a visit to the Launch at the Spectrum Centre, Brunswick Road on 23rd October.