Multi-Stories Chapter 1

Multi-Stories began in September 2023 with a two-day creative takeover of Westquay’s multi-storey car park, bringing together street art, music, skateboarding, breakdancing and hands-on creative activity.

Developed by Southampton Forward in partnership with Westquay, with Paintshop Studio leading the visual identity, art curation and production alongside Joe Ross, the first chapter transformed Levels 7–10 of the car park into an interactive urban art gallery.

More than 40 artists took part, creating over 30 permanent large and small-scale murals. Southampton artists Ricky Also and Bonzai collaborated with Squirl on The World is Yours, a major external mural overlooking the city, while artists including Flukez, Flash, Nathan, Raeos, Aron, Ralf, Kushty and Ayem created work throughout the car park.

Six commissions were created specifically to give new and emerging Southampton-based artists an opportunity to take part in a large-scale live art event. Joanna Rose Tidey, Olivia Crawley, Tom Hewitt, Mural 23, Edgar Lushaju and Hilton Kazingizi each created work for art frames on Level 7.

Elsewhere, Carleen de Sozer created Pillars of the Community, drawing on stories gathered by Black History consultant Don John to celebrate Black stories from Southampton.

The weekend was designed to be experienced as well as viewed. Visitors could watch artists painting live, take part in graffiti masterclasses and drop-in art sessions, try skateboarding and breakdancing, and experience performances from musicians and DJs from Southampton’s music scene.

Chapter 1 established the foundations of an evolving permanent street art gallery at Westquay, creating opportunities for established and emerging artists while inviting people of all ages to encounter and participate in street culture in the heart of Southampton.