Multi-Stories 2023

Art | Music | Skate | Dance

Developed in partnership with Westquay, Multi-Stories was a project designed to celebrate Southampton’s communities, their vibrant culture, and the power of creative expression. We aimed to create a platform for street artists and musicians to showcase their talent, provide opportuinties for up-and-coming Southampton-based artists and to involve communities through a mix of activities from graffiti masterclasses and drop-in art sessions, to breakdancing and skate lessons.

Culminating in a two-day creative takeover of levels 7, 8 and 9 of Westquay’s Multi-Storey Car Park on Saturday 9th and Sunday 10th September, the car park was turned into an interactive urban street art showcase set to a soundtrack of ecclectic hiphop rhythms supplied by musicians and DJs from Southampton’s music scene.

40 artists poured their hearts into this project, producing more than 30 permanent large and small-scale murals that have brought Southampton’s stories to life in a range of creative and colourful ways. Acclaimed artists Ricky Also and Bonzai – both from Southampton – teamed up with Squirl to create the breathtaking external The World is Yours mural.

There were 6 commissions specifically for new and up-and-coming Southampton-based artists. Joanna Rose Tidey, Olivia Crawley, Tom Hewitt, Mural 23, Edgar Lushaju and Hilton Kazingizi created beautiful art frame pieces on Level 7. Southampton-based artists Flukez, Flash, Nathan, Raeos, Aron, Ralf, Kushty and Ayem created murals across levels 8, 9 and 10, showcasing a huge range of artistic styles and techniques.

The ‘pillars of the community’ series of artworks on Level 7 creatd by artist Carleen de Sozer represents a collection of stories put together by Black History consultant Don John, celebrating Black Stories from Southampton.

Paintshop, a local Creative Studio were responsible for the visual identity, curating and producing the street art event in partnership with Joe Ross.

Visit the Multi-Stories instagram page

Woman painting mural
Man painting mural
A man rapping in front of a street art mural.
A rapper in front of a wall of street art.
A child riding a skateboard with their dad.
A wall of street art.
Cans of opened spray paint.
A man skateboarding on a ramp.
Child riding a skateboard in a multi-storey car park, representing Southampton Forward community projects.
Woman leading street art workshop, representing a community project.
Mural art, featuring the mural artist, Zoe Power, representing a community project.
Multi-Storey Mural by artist Remi Rough, representing the work of Southampton Forward.
A man with a spray paint can in front of a wall of street art.
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A wall of street art.
A wall of street art.
A woman spray painting street art.
A wall of street art.
A wall of street art.
A wall of street art.
A wall of street art.
A wall of street art.
A wall of street art.

Joanna Rose Tidey

“It’s been awesome, I’ve loved painting with other people and having that opportunity to work with other artists. When you paint it can often be quite solitary but this experience is amazing and having people come and interact and ask about your work has been brilliant. I’d like to see more of this, as it encourages more people to take up art and just gives the city more colour.”

A wall of street art.

“I am so happy to see this I love street art & seeing so much in other cities wish we have more, such a fantastic way to brighten up the city whilst showcasing the amazing talent out there”

Sponsored by:

Art Curation:

With Thanks To:

City Partners:

Working in partnership across culture, festivals, events, tourism and cultural regeneration on projects rooted in creativity and community. We are a charity striving to transform Southampton through citywide and regional collaboration.

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2024 by Southampton Forward

Company number: 07344461

Charity number: 1139269

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