Multi-Stories transformed Westquay’s Multi-Storey Car Park into the South Coast’s most expansive permanent street art gallery.

Developed over three consecutive years it blended bold visual art with live events and public participation.

A partnership between Westquay and Southampton Forward, with art curation by Paintshop Studio.

Across three chapters, Multi-Stories has:

• Commissioned over 90 permanent murals from a wide range of local and national artists
• Transformed nine levels of the Westquay multi-storey car park into an evolving public gallery
• Engaged hundreds of participants through artist-led workshops, community takeovers, live music, dance, and interactive events
• Inspired the next generation, offering a platform for young creatives to learn, connect, and shine

Southampton’s cultural organisations came together to mark the 250th anniversary of Jane Austen’s birth with a collaborative programme of performances, exhibitions, workshops and creative commissions.

With strong links to both Southampton and Hampshire, Jane Austen provided an opportunity to celebrate the city’s literary heritage while engaging new audiences in fresh, contemporary ways.

Southampton Forward partnered with and supported organisations including Mayflower, ‘a space’ arts,
Artswork, ArtfulScribe, In Focus Education & Development and ZoieLogic Dance Theatre.

Together, these partnerships supported project development, secured funding and new commissions, and delivered a citywide celebration that reached diverse audiences and showcased the strength of Southampton’s cultural sector.