We are Southampton Forward

Channelling creativity and culture as drivers for change

As a charity, we collaborate with local partners and communities across culture, tourism, festivals, and events. Our mission is to transform Southampton, enrich lives, and nurture the creative industries, driving the city towards a more vibrant and inclusive future for all.

View Creative Directory

Black man performing spoken word on stage

In image: Southampton poet Issa Loyaan Farrah Kelly

In image: street artist Carleen de Sözer

People placing stickers on the floor for a community project, representing the Southampton Forward Culture Programme.
Woman in front of street mural, smiling, holding up the rock and roll hand gesture, representing a community project.

In image: street artist ELNO

CULTURE

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CREATIVITY

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COMMUNITY

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CULTURE

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CREATIVITY

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COMMUNITY

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About Us

We are a charity with ambitious plans to put Southampton on the map, working across culture, festivals, events, and tourism. Through our partnerships with local communities, we aim to drive positive change and showcase the city’s vibrant potential.

About us

Creative Writing Commission: Corner Shop & Portal into Other Worlds

Southampton Forward is currently commissioning a talented creative writer to bring the vibrant stories of corner shops across Southampton to life.

Follow the link below to get more details.

Find out more

Headshot of Laura Read, Interim Chair.

Laura Read

Chair of Southampton Forward

“I was captured by the spirit and the passion on display during the Southampton City of Culture Bid for 2025. By bringing together Culture, Festivals and Events, and Tourism under one umbrella, we can harness the potential, creativity and ambition within Southampton, to achieve what we all know our city is capable of.”

 

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info@southamptonforward.org.uk