Sheffield Showcase, which was launched in the city centre in July 2009, brings together creative talent, retailers and apprentices to animate the Sevenstone development site. The project creates an outdoor gallery in the city centre to boost the number of people coming into Sheffield and to help businesses still operating in the area, as well as providing opportunities for future Sheffield retail talent who will drive the success of the New Retail Quarter in years to come.

Councillor Paul Scriven, Leader of Sheffield City Council said: "Sheffield Showcase works on so many levels. This isn't just about dressing up a few windows. The Showcase is an opportunity to put Sheffield's creative talent right there for everyone to see. The projects help local business, helps to get more people into the city centre around an area of the city that has been pretty redundant lately, and it provides a fantastic opportunity for young visual merchandising students. Sheffield Showcase not only shows off the city's existing talents but nurtures the next generation."

The Source curate each window space through their visual merchandising scheme alongside key Sheffield artists, designers and retailers. Combining new talent with existing retail expertise, it is hoped that footfall will be further increased in the area as well as providing a benchmark for other towns and cities to follow. The Showcase will constantly evolve and anyone with an idea is being encouraged to submit it to the Source for consideration.

Cllr Scriven continued: "We want to make this project as exciting as possible. It won't just be some static display but rather will change every month or so to allow as many creative talents in the city to get a bite of the cherry. This city has some fantastic talent and what better way of showing it off than to greet people's eye as they navigate around the city centre."

The project is funded by Sheffield City Council and co-ordinated by the council in partnership with Creativesheffield and The Source. The dynamic initiative will offer a platform for local businesses and creative individuals to contribute to the improvement of the city by showcasing their wares within the window spaces. The displays will also present up and coming Sheffield retail students with the chance to develop their skills within a genuine retail environment.

Brendan Moffett, Director of Strategic Marketing at Creativesheffield, said: "Sheffield has developed a growing reputation as a progressive city. Therefore, where other UK cities are facing similar problems, Sheffield is leading the way in this innovative approach to a solution. Creativesheffield has developed the Sheffield Showcase brand which is a versatile and inclusive concept - really capturing the imaginations of those who have been involved so far. We hope that the people and businesses of Sheffield will also be inspired by this project - either to get involved or appreciate the great work of others. This newly animated city centre aims to have a positive effect on existing businesses and those looking to invest in the future."

Ann Cadman, Managing Director of the Source said: "This is an exciting and unique opportunity for our Visual Merchandising students. Sheffield Showcase will put them on a platform to show off their skills and really push them forward as Sheffield's next generation of retail talent. This isn't a one off project but one that will continue throughout the coming months, constantly changing to bring fresh visuals and develop skills."

If you would like any more information about the Sheffield Showcase, please contact The Source on 07759 442 057 or email ideas@thesourceacademy.co.uk.