Project Type: Opportunity

Open Call: Short Films for Stories of Belonging: Film Evening at Mayflower Studios 

Posted on November 28, 2025 by -

Open Call: Short Films for Stories of Belonging: Film Evening at Mayflower Studios 

Deadline: 4th January 2025 
Screening: 25 March, Mayflower Studios

We’re inviting filmmakers, cultural organisations, community groups and creatives of all kinds to submit short films to be shown in a one-night community film event at Mayflower Studios celebrating the many ways people connect to place, culture and each other. 

The event will premiere Belonging – a new Southampton Forward and City Eye short film exploring cultural participation, local identity and what helps people feel connected to the place they live. Alongside it, we are curating a diverse programme of short films that reflect, celebrate or explore life, creativity and community in Southampton and the wider region. 

What we’re looking for: 

We welcome a broad range of short films, that explore a sense of belonging to place, identity and civic pride. This could include explorations of: 

  • What makes a neighbourhood, city or landscape feel like “home” . 
  • How people connect to Southampton or the wider region through memories, heritage, community, environment or everyday life. 
  • Stories of cultural heritage, traditions, migration and lived experience. 
  • Expressions of identity (personal, cultural, creative, social) and how these shape a sense of belonging.  
  • Portraits of people, places, organisations or creative practices that make the area unique. 

Films can be: 

  • Creative or experimental shorts 
  • Community-made films 
  • Documentary or interview-led pieces 
  • Projects capturing cultural activity, participation or local stories 

Your film doesn’t need to be professionally produced – we’re interested in ideas, perspectives and stories. 

Why submit? 

  • If shortlisted, your work will be screened at Mayflower Studios as part of a free public event on 25th March 2026  
  • Your organisation or project will be credited and profiled in screening materials 
  • Your film will reach new audiences, including sector peers, community members and cultural partners. 
  • Selected films will also be shared digitally (if permissions allow) with the film maker and any organisations credited. 

Please note that due to time and programming capacity, we won’t be able to include every film submitted. A selection panel – including representatives from Southampton’s communities – will review all entries. Films of any length from 60 seconds up to around 20 minutes are welcome for consideration. Final selections will be made with regard to how each film speaks to the themes of belonging and how the programme works as a whole to reflect a broad range of voices and perspectives. 

How to submit 

Please send us  

By email to info@southamptonforward.org.uk  

  • A link to your film (or file transfer) 
  • Title, duration, creator/organisation 
  • A short description we can share for the event  
  • Confirmation that you own rights/permissions 

If you have any questions, please get in touch with us info@southamptonforward.org.uk  

City Reflections – Trail Map Artwork Brief

Posted on November 4, 2025 by -

City Reflections – Trail Map Artwork Brief

Issued by: Southampton Forward
Fee: £1,500 (inclusive of VAT)
Deadline for expressions of interest: Monday 17th November 2025
Contact: info@southamptonforward.org.uk
Event dates: 18-21 February 2026

Project Overview

Southampton Forward is seeking an illustrator or artist to create a bespoke trail map artwork for City Reflections, a major light and projection event illuminating six historic sites across Southampton’s Old Town and city centre.

The artwork will help audiences navigate the trail and celebrate the city’s stories, architecture and communities. The map should take inspiration from historic city survey maps and maritime charts, blending heritage and creativity to reflect the event’s theme: Illuminating Southampton’s Stories.

More about the project

Scope of Work

The artist will produce:

  1. A main illustrated trail map showing all six projection sites with clear walking routes between them.
  2. Six small individual illustrations or icons – one for each heritage building – to appear both on the map and individually on the project website.
  3. A simple legend/key, compass/north arrow, and optional title cartouche.
  4. The artwork must be clear and legible in both colour and monochrome and suitable for use online and in print.
  5. Style: inspired by historic city survey maps and architectural drawings, but with a creative, contemporary flair.

Locations to Feature

  1. King John’s Palace – 12th-century merchant’s house later absorbed into the medieval town walls.
  2. Holy Rood Church – 14th-century church bombed during WWII, now a memorial to Merchant Navy sailors.
  3. The Bargate – Southampton’s medieval gatehouse and iconic city landmark.
  4. The Wool House (now Dancing Man Brewery) – 14th-century warehouse for wool export, later a museum, now a popular pub with on-site brewery.
  5. Castle Vault – subterranean chamber beneath the ruins of Southampton Castle used to store the King’s wine.
  6. Southampton City Art Gallery – 1930s civic art gallery, home to the city’s internationally-renowned public art collection.

Deliverables

  • 1 x Main Trail Map Artwork, supplied as:
    • Editable vector format (.AI or .EPS)
    • High-res PDF and PNG/JPEG (for print and web)
  • 6 x Individual Building Illustrations/Icons
    • Supplied separately as PNG/JPEG and vector
  • All files delivered ready for use in:
    • Website (digital map view)
    • Printed trail sheet (A5)
    • Event signage and marketing materials

Usage Rights

  • Southampton Forward and Southampton City Council will have non-exclusive, perpetual rights to use the artwork across print, digital, social and physical event materials relating to City Reflections and future marketing of the project.
  • The artist retains copyright and may include the work in their portfolio and promotional materials.
  • Any reuse or adaptation by third parties will require written permission and credit to the artist.

Revisions and Process

The commission includes:

  • 1 x initial concept sketch or draft map for approval
  • 1 x round of client feedback and revisions
  • 1 x final artwork delivery

Additional major revisions or new versions beyond this scope will be costed separately.

Timeline

  • Expressions of interest / quotes due: Monday 17th November 2025
  • Appointment: 19th November 2025
  • Concept artwork: by Monday 1st December 2025
  • Final delivery: by 16th December 2025

Budget

  • Fixed fee of £1,500 (inclusive of VAT)
  • Covers artist’s time, creative development digital production and final delivery of all artwork.
  • No additional expenses or travel are expected for this commission.

How to Apply

Please email info@southamptonforward.org.uk with:

  • Short bio and link to portfolio (or up to 5 examples of previous work)
  • A brief note on your creative approach or inspiration
  • Confirmation of availability and timeline
  • Quote confirming acceptance of £1,500 inc VAT and deliverables

Inspiration

Artists are encouraged to reference historic Southampton and Hampshire survey maps for visual tone and layout. A few examples:

  • Catalogue of British Town Maps – gives a searchable list of historic town maps across the UK (useful background). Catalogue of British Town Map

Catalogue of British Town Maps

  • Southampton City Council: “Historic maps” page of Southampton – includes the 1846 map and the 1870 town plan.

Historic Maps

John Speed’s Map of Hampshire, 1611

John Norden’s Map of Hampshire 1595

Our Creative Future: A shared vision for culture in Hampshire and The Solent

Posted on October 17, 2025 by -

Date: 5th December 2025

Location: The Lens Studio, Portsmouth Guildhall + online

Cost: Free (lunch provided for in-person attendees)

Time: 11am – 3pm (with networking from 10:30-11am and 2.30-3pm)

Reserve your place

Join creatives, practitioners, arts and heritage partners, policy and decision makers from across Hampshire, the Isle of Wight, Portsmouth and Southampton for a time of sharing and agenda setting at a pivotal moment for our region.

This event is a chance for our creative community to come together and better understand the potential opportunities within a new Mayoral Combined County Authority. Building on work already undertaken across Hampshire and the Solent, attendees will be presented with an overview of the views shared so far on this journey and have an opportunity to respond to the emerging grassroots vision for culture.

We’ll hear from political and sector leaders, including those who are ahead of us on the journey to champion culture in devolved authorities. Breakout sessions will draw out themes and opportunities from across places and disciplines so that the region’s cultural and creative sectors can speak with one voice.

Together, we can ensure that arts, culture, creativity and heritage are not just part of the conversation, but central to the vision for a new, confident and inclusive future.

FAQs

Do I need to have attended one of the previous consultation events?

No, outcomes from previous consultation events will be shared in this forum, and there will be opportunities for all attendees to reflect and build on these outcomes.

When will the full programme be announced?

The full programme, including speakers and timings for the day, and arrangements for online participants will be announced in early November.

How many tickets can I book?

Places for in-person attendees are limited so we have capped tickets to one representative from each group or organisation. However, the event will also be live-streamed, and there is no limit on the number of tickets you can book as a digital attendee.

Do I need to be there for the whole time?

In-person attendees are encouraged to stay for the full event and make the most of opportunities to hear the guest speakers and spend time in break out groups. The timings for the day have been set to align to the timetable for travel to and from the Isle of Wight via ferry.

Is lunch provided?

Lunch is provided for in-person attendees. Dietary requirements will be captured at point of booking.

What is the best way to travel to the event?

We would encourage in-person attendees to consider active and public transport option. Portsmouth Guildhall is accessible via train and bus, including park and ride, as well as car and ferry.

How accessible is the venue?

The in-person gathering is taking place at The Lens Studio at Portsmouth Guildhall. There is step-free access to The Lens Studio where the event will be hosted. There are accessible toilets throughout the building, and a hearing induction loop is also available. A full access guide and visual story are available on the venue website.

How is the event funded?

This event is jointly funded by the cultural development agencies working across Hampshire and The Solent: Creative Island, Culture Connects, Portsmouth Creates and Southampton Forward.

 “BELONGING”: Film Project Commission

Posted on September 18, 2025 by -

“BELONGING”: Film Project Commission

Deadline to apply: Thursday 2 October 2025
Budget: £5,000 (inc. VAT) – to cover some additional filming, editing, and delivery of final film

About Southampton Forward

Southampton Forward are a charity working in partnership across culture, festivals, events, tourism and cultural regeneration, striving to transform Southampton through citywide and regional collaboration.

Through our Cultural Programme, we are delivering a series of legacy projects following Southampton’s shortlisted bid for UK City of Culture 2025.

About the Belonging strand

Belonging is a strand of Southampton Forward’s Cultural Programme that explores what it means to be Sotonian. It brings together creative projects that are co-curated with, and rooted in, Southampton’s communities. We would like all four projects from this strand to feature in the Belonging film:

  • City Reflections – transformed Southampton’s medieval city walls with a large-scale projection celebrating over 350 Community Legends, nominated by local people for their contributions to the city. Sponsored and hosted by Westquay, City Reflections ran daily over February half-term, with additional pop-up projections at five community venues across the city.
  • City Reflections 2: Illuminating Southampton’s Stories – 6 community curators representing communities across the city have dived into the archives and curated heritage buildings, in line with key themes that celebrate Southampton’s history. City Reflections will be illuminating the city in February 2026 with 6 projections on 6 heritage buildings in Southampton’s Old Town and city centre, with the community engagement and co-creation happening in 2025.
  • Home Theatre Southampton – brought together over 100 participants and 33 creative professionals – including directors, theatre makers, stage managers and filmmakers. Together, they co-created 11 intimate performances in homes across the city, inspired by the unique personal stories of their hosts.
  • Pub Cultures – with the help of our communities we matched 9 pubs in Southampton and 8 artists to create bespoke artwork that celebrated the pubs communities and their places as essential community hubs. The artwork produced included sculpture, photography, textile, murals and poetry.
  • Corner Shops & Portal into Other Worlds – celebrated the cultural importance of 7 local shops across Southampton and recorded their oral histories for the Southampton City Archive. Led by artist Darrell Vydelingum, in partnership with Winchester School of Art and Southampton Solent University, the project included new shop signage featuring playful phrases that reflected the shops’ role in their community. Fashion students created pieces inspired by the shops, culminating in fashion shoots inside the shops and a 3-day public exhibition.

Community Engagement

Alongside the Belonging projects sits our Community Engagement strand, which coordinates and supports a network of more than 25 local connectors across Southampton. These connectors represent a wide range of faith groups, communities, and geographical wards.

Their role has been integral to the delivery of the Belonging series, ensuring that projects are community-driven, inclusive, and genuinely representative of the diverse voices and lived experiences of Sotonians. By working with connectors, we are able to reach deeper into communities, build trust, and make sure the programme reflects the city as a whole. Local connectors took on roles such as nominating community champions, assessing the accessibility of local pubs, matching artists, encouraging participation and choosing locations.

About the Film

We are commissioning a short film (max 20 mins) that weaves together footage from these four Belonging projects, which includes case studies from local connectors, into a compelling creative documentary themed around the idea of belonging in Southampton.

The film will:

  • Be premiered in Southampton at a special screening event in March 2026 as part of a short film showcase.
  • Be shared online via Southampton Forward and partner channels.
  • Serve as a lasting legacy piece telling the story of our Culture Programme

Scope & challenges

This is primarily an editing project using existing footage captured by our project teams and partners. However, there will be:

  • Additional filming to create visual and thematic links between the four projects (e.g. street scenes, community events, interviews/vox pops).
  • Interviews with community members responding to “What does belonging in Southampton mean to you?” (Southampton Forward can provide a series of options for content capture based on community events happening in the city and can help facilitate)

Footage challenges:

  • City Reflections: large volume of footage – will need strong editorial judgement to select the most impactful and relevant content.
  • Corner Shops: limited footage – will require creative solutions (e.g. archive materials, fresh interviews, voiceover).

Who We’re Looking For

We want to hear from filmmakers or creative production teams who:

  • Are confident working with large amounts of footage and shaping a clear narrative.
  • Can deliver strong, people-focused storytelling.
  • Are comfortable filming short sequences/interviews in community settings.
  • Can work collaboratively with us to manage creative and logistical challenges.
  • Have the technical skills and equipment for professional-quality filming, editing, and post-production.

Tone & Style

  • Documentary-style with a cinematic visual approach.
  • Warm, authentic, and community-focused.
  • Uplifting but honest – moments of celebration and reflection.

Key dates

  • 2 October 2025: Deadline to submit proposals.
  • October–November 2025: Review and logging of footage, plus additional filming.
  • Mid-January 2026: First draft cut to Southampton Forward for feedback.
  • Mid-February 2026: Final draft for sign-off.
  • 1st week of March 2026: Final delivery of film
  • March 2026: Film screening and online release.

Storyboard Skeleton

  1. Opening – Montage of Southampton scenes with layered voices answering “What does belonging in Southampton mean to you?”
  2. Chapters – One for each project, intercut with linking footage from around the city.
  3. Closing – A unifying sequence showing diverse communities, shared spaces, and moments of connection.

Hero Shot List

  • Wide and close-up shots of each project’s key moments (from provided footage).
  • Community interviews and vox pops.
  • Street-level linking shots (markets, parks, waterfront, high streets).
  • Archival material and stills where needed for Corner Shops.
  • Smiling faces and group moments to close.

How to Apply

Please send the following to info@southamptonforward.org.uk by 2 October 2025:

  1. A short statement on why you’d like to work on this project (max 500 words).
  2. Link/s to examples of previous work.
  3. Confirmation you can work to the above timeline and within the £5,000 budget (inc. VAT).

Come Along to the Ignite Info Session – 22 July

Posted on June 26, 2025 by -

Come Along to the Ignite Info Session – 22 July

Southampton is full of people creating change — not always loudly, not always with fanfare, but with purpose, passion, and care for their communities.

From youth mentors to neighbourhood organisers, cultural connectors to grassroots advocates — the city is shaped by everyday leadership. And now, there’s a new opportunity to support and grow that potential.

Ignite is a six-month programme for developing and emerging community leaders in Southampton, launching this September. Co-designed with local voices, it offers space to reflect, grow, and connect with others who are driving change in their own ways.

It’s built on the belief that leadership isn’t a job title — it’s a mindset. Ignite is about discovering your strengths, clarifying your values, and building the skills to lead in a way that feels true to you.

On Tuesday 22 July, we’re hosting an informal information session where you can:

  • Hear from inspiring local leaders
  • Learn what the programme involves (Sept 2025 – March 2026)
  • Meet the team, ask questions, and see if it’s right for you

We’re encouraging everyone to bring a buddy — someone who’s quietly making a difference and ready to take their next step.

🗓 Tuesday 22 July
🕕 1.30pm-3.30pm

📍Southampton Coalporters Amateur Rowing Club & Hall hire.Northam Road Southampton SO14 0QE

Sign up on Eventbrite

Expression of Interest Form

Expressions of Interest Form

Meet Our Guest Speakers

Hayley Binstead

Relentlessly, I have been driven to help others. I am a mum of 2 amazing daughters a ‘Nanny Nugget’ to 2 grandchildren, and a wife of 31 years to an incredible man. We help all from friends, colleagues to complete strangers, who come and see us at Board in the City. This has led to the place we are in today. A communal space with over 1200 board games, as the hook, to entice people in through the door.
We use the space and resources to develop people – giving them work experience, training, and references to give a snapshot of some of our work. Last year I managed a team of 78 active volunteers, and it looks close to the same number again this year. It is just the most interesting role with incredibly diverse situations every single week. I am incredibly lucky and blessed.
Come and roll the dice with us someday…

Jack Willis

Jack brings a wealth of experience accumulated over 12 years within the NHS. During this time, he has held roles in Business Intelligence and Analytics, particularly in leadership positions, where he has developed profound knowledge in operational delivery and relationship management.

Having received a recognition award in Senior Healthcare Leadership in 2022, he is continuing to advance his professional development through the final stage of an Operational Departmental Management apprenticeship.

Passionate about engaging in thought-provoking conversations, Jack thrives on challenging assumptions and expanding perspectives.

His interests span from exploring psychological and philosophical concepts to delving into leadership theories. He is genuinely enthusiastic about learning through dialogue, sharing experiences, and transforming insights into practical real-word actions.

His commitment to fostering open and transparent conversations is unwavering, and he strongly believes in the value of shared learning.

Dr Abdoulie Sanneh

Dr Abdoulie Sanneh works for local charities and community organisations across Southampton that take action and address pressing social issues within the most deprived areas. Abdoulie is also chair of The United Voice of African Associations (TUVAA) who runs BBAM (Black Buisness Art and Music) event. Abdoulie also works for Southampton City Council as Wellbeing, Diversity and Inclusion Lead and is also on the Southampton Forward Advisory Group.

Astrid Vaswani Thornhill Baptise Church

I started my career in Human Resource management having spent a gap year and university vacations Teaching English as a Foreign Language. I retrained to become a Baptist Minister/Church leader about 25 years ago. I co-lead a church in Thornhill with my husband Paul who, as Team Leader, is my boss! I am mum to a 23-year old who is still at home and about to start a Uni course here in Southampton. I am passionate about learning – encouraging others to learn and practice lifelong learning. Currently I am part of a yearlong Spiritual Direction Learning Community. I enjoy cooking, I loathe housework, I like gardening and enjoy our two cats. Our holidays are usually camping in Europe but last year we went backpacking in India which was amazing! I believe in volunteering and am a Street Pastor supporting the nighttime economy once a month on a Friday night and recently come back from volunteering at Download music festival which was great fun.

Call for Curator 

Posted on May 20, 2025 by -

Call for City Reflections 2026 

Curator 

Role: Curator  
Location: Southampton-based A mix of remote working and in Southampton 
Fee: £300 per day inclusive of VAT (estimated 6 days) 
Status: Freelance contract with Southampton Forward 
Reporting to: Community Engagement Manager  
Contract duration: June – September 2025 

Background 

​​​City Reflections 2026 will re-animate the city with spectacular light projections/mapping across the city creating a digital light art trail that celebrates our city’s heritage, art and people. We will light up our city’s buildings and heritage sites with large scale projections, chosen by the community, from Southampton City Council’s world class collections. Collection items will be selected in collaboration with the Southampton City Art Gallery team, conservators and local community groups. The Curator will work with key community stakeholders through Southampton Forward’s local networks to identify community groups to take part in this project. Southampton City Council Culture and Archive teams will oversee the digitisation of the collection and are a key member of the project team.​​ 

The role 

We are seeking a Curator to work with the community, Southampton City Council, Community Curators and Southampton Forward to supporting the curation of the collection, helping Community Curators shape the narratives around archive themes and deliver the archive aspects of the project. 

The main outputs of this contract are to: 

  • Oversee the creative process with the Community Curators working alongside the Community Engagement Manager, Creative Producer and Executive Producer. 
  • Escort Community Curators to Archive visits  
  • Facilitate a half-day Curation workshop on 7th July (date to be finalised) 
  • Support Community Curators in storytelling and choosing archive items that respond to key themes, deepen understanding and bring to life the city’s heritage, art, archaeology and maritime collections for local, regional and national visitors. 
  • Attend Archive Visits with the Community Curators  
  • Attend and support a Creative Brainstorm workshop with Southampton Forward, Southampton City Council and Community Curators 
  • Help Community Curators develop their storyboards and present to the Creative Producer 
  • Help facilitate feedback and decision making between Community Curators, Creative Producer and production team 
  • Support Southampton Forward in monitoring and evaluation 

You will be a hands-on, experienced Curator who loves working with communities, managing events, delivering workshops and working on projects that deepen an understanding of culture, heritage and place for different audiences. 

Role/project requirements: 
Curator Curate with a strong focus on co-creation, participatory methods and community storytelling. Facilitate workshops to gather input, co-design content and build trust with diverse audiences, whilst providing support to all participants. Ensure equitable representation of community voices throughout curatorial processes. Provide an evaluation report for Southampton Forward. 
 
Additional responsibilities – relationship management Working with Southampton Forward on all aspects of the project including:  collaborating with internal and external teams including Southampton Forward, Southampton City Council, Community Curators and Creative Producer to ensure alignment and support for community-led initiatives. Facilitating the relationship between Community Curators, Creative Producer and Southampton City Council to achieve the best outcome for the project.  
Remuneration and working arrangements. The contractor will be responsible for their own pay, tax, National Insurance and pension contribution. The contractor will be expected to provide their own IT equipment to enable them to fulfil the requirements of the contract, including access to a computer/laptop, the internet and phone.  

Who are we looking for? 

We are looking with someone with the following skills and experience, with availability to start immediately. 
Demonstrable experience of co-creation curation, working with communities /Project Coordination/ Story Telling and Project development Working with diverse communities, with excellent facilitation and interpersonal skills.  Experience of working in culture, heritage or creative sectors with artists and community-based organisations.  A strong understanding of co-creation and inclusive curatorial strategies. Proven experience of working with archives, museums, heritage or art collections and delivering collections-based engagement activities  Able to work with multiple external partners including Local Authorities, local communities and Creative professionals.  Knowledge of Southampton and/or its archives.  

How can I apply? 

To apply for this opportunity please send us a copy of your CV and a covering letter of no more than 4 sides of A4 outlining your suitability for this role and experience. Please include the contact details of two references. 

You may want to include examples from previous projects that you have been involved with, making it clear what your role was on those projects. You may also wish to include links to websites or YouTube videos within your examples.  

You can submit this to us in writing, or you can submit a video entry to: info@southamptonforward.org.uk by 4th June 2025 If you wish to submit a video entry please send your file in MP4 format using a free file transfer service such as WeTransfer. 

If you would like to speak to one of the team before applying please email info@southamptonforward.org.uk and we will get back to you as quickly as possible to arrange.  

Interviews will be held on 6th June 2025 either in person or online. 

Key dates: 

4th June Application closing date 
6th June Interview Date 
9th June Contract awarded/project starts/Induction Week 

Founding City Partners

Call for Community Curators

Posted on May 20, 2025 by -

Call for Community Curators

City Reflections will bring to life Southampton’s world class art collection, archaeology, maritime and heritage archives in a series of stunning projections in February 2026 chosen by community curators. Over 10 days and nights, City Reflections will transform Southampton’s heritage building and walls with stunning light projections that combine advanced technology, creative design and storytelling to explore Southampton’s cultural heritage through new perspectives. 

Southampton Forward is looking for 5 community organisations, interest groups or committees to become our community curators – who will represent diverse communities in Southampton.  There are 5/6 locations where the trail will be projected through the city, each location will have a relevant theme that links the building to what is stored in the archive. Groups will be allocated a location and the theme relevant to that heritage building. 

Curators will be invited to attend workshops and tours with the City collections from June to October 2025 to co-create the projections in February 2026. Curators will be expected to engage with their communities, discover meaningful content from the archives and make choices on behalf of their communities. 

Deadline: 1st June 2025 

Fee: £1000*

*Subject to attending a minimum of 80% of the workshops. Gifts are also available for those on Benefits.

Please complete the form below.

Appointments of curators will be made with our Advisory Group by the beginning of June 2025.

https://forms.office.com/e/r2XHDP9bth
City Reflections 2 Expression of InterestDownload

Founding City Partners

Call for Community and Archive Project Coordinator  

Posted on May 14, 2025 by -

Call for City Reflections Yr 2  

Community and Archive Project Coordinator 

Role: Community and Archive Project Coordinator  
Location: A mix of remote working and office in Southampton 
Fee: £250 per day inclusive of VAT (estimated 10 days) 
Status: Freelance contract with Southampton Forward 
Reporting to: Senior Executive Producer & Community Engagement Manager  
Contract duration: June – September 2025 

Background 

​​​City Reflections will re-animate the city with spectacular light projections/mapping across the city creating a digital light art trail that celebrates our city’s heritage, art and people. We will light up our city’s buildings and heritage sites with large scale projections, chosen by the community, from Southampton City Council’s world class collections.                                        

Collection items selected in collaboration with the SCAG team, conservators and local community groups. The producer will work with key community stakeholders through SF’s working groups reach to identify community groups to take part in this project. SCC Culture team will oversee the digitisation of the collection. SCC involvement as above for projection planning and installation.​​ 

The role 

We are seeking an experienced project coordinator to work with the community and the SCC Archive team and Southampton Forward to deliver the archive aspects of the project. 

The main outputs of this contract are to: 

  • Overseeing admin including scheduling and booking meeting rooms, keeping track of outgoings and assisting the Community Engagement Manager.  
  • Copyright and Licensing Management; ensuring that the artworks, and collections are compliant with copyright laws.  
  • Escorting Community Curators to Archive and taking notes of items and storage locations etc 
  • Contracts and Agreements, relating to the artworks and liaising with artists.  
  • Assisting with the digitalisation of the archives; working closely with curators, photographer and producers.  
  • Organise and catalogue digital files, ensuring all photos are labelled correctly.  
  • Support Southampton Forward Evaluation 

You will be a hands-on Project Coordinator who loves managing events and projects with experience. 

Role/project requirements: 
Project Management Responsible for logistics relating to artwork, archives and community.  Provide support to all participants. Manage Admin and any outgoings Provide an evaluation report for Southampton Forward. 
 
Additional responsibilities – client relationship Working with the client, Southampton Forward on all aspects of the project including:  Liaising between SCC, Southampton Forward, Artists and Community.  
Remuneration and working arrangements. The contractor will be responsible for their own pay, tax, National Insurance and pension contribution. The contractor will be expected to provide their own IT equipment to enable them to fulfil the requirements of the contract, including access to a computer/laptop, the internet and phone.  

Who are we looking for? 

We are looking with someone with the desired following skills and experience, available to start at the start of June 2024 
Demonstrable experience of production/project coordination/ project development Working with diverse communities. Strong admin skills including Excel, Word, PowerPoint, CRM Ability to work with artists. Able to work with multiple external partners. Skills in evaluation  Knowledge of Southampton desirable 

How can I apply? 

To apply for this opportunity please send us a copy of your CV and a covering letter of no more than 4 sides of A4 outlining your suitability for this role and experience. Please include the contact details of two references. 

You may want to include examples from previous projects that you have been involved with, making it clear what your role was on those projects. You may also wish to include links to websites or YouTube videos within your examples.  

You can submit this to us in writing or you can submit a video entry to info@southamptonforward.org.uk by May 28th  2025 If you wish to submit a video entry please send your file in MP4 format using a free file transfer service such as WeTransfer. 

If you would like to speak to one of the team before applying please email info@southamptonforward.org.uk and we will get back to you as quickly as possible to arrange.  

Interviews will be held either in person or online. 

Key dates: 

May 28th 2025 Application closing date 
w/c 2nd JuneInterview Date 
June 2025 Contract awarded/project starts/Induction Week 

Founding City Partners

Design Your Own Mural Competition

Posted on March 21, 2025 by -

Design Your Own Mural Competition

We are inviting young people from the South Coast to have a go at designing a mural for Multi-Stories Chapter 3. The winning design will be painted live bu a professional artist on Level 5 of West Quay Multi-Storey Car Park—submit your “Connections”-themed design by 20th April 2025 for a chance to be featured – find out more below.

Sponsored by

Event Partners

Produced by

Founding City Partners

Multi-Stories 2025 Artist Call Out

Posted on March 13, 2025 by -

Westquay and Southampton Forward are looking for 4 local artists and illustrators to paint live during ‘Multi-Stories’ a street art jam event
on Saturday 17th and Sunday 18th May 2025

Westquay is a prominent shopping centre in central Southampton with over 16 million visitors per year. It owns and operates the attached Multi-Storey carpark which, as part of a yearly joint event with Southampton Forward, levels 4, 5 and 6 are being brought to life with over 25 permanent street art murals from inspiring national and local graffiti artists. This will be the 3rd year of Multi-Stories, with murals previously painted on levels 7, 8, 9 and 10 (Yr 1)
and 1, 2 and 3 (Yr 2).

Over the weekend, a huge breadth of talent from the graffiti and street art scene will be creating new works on large scale walls and boards on levels 4 to 6. The space will be designed for the whole community in mind and curated to include a variety of artistic approaches. We want to show that Southampton is a destination for world-class street art
and to inspire local artistic talent.

This is a great opportunity to come and see new artworks being created and explore completed works. There will be activities for all ages to join in and learn some skills during the event with a variety of workshops in art, skateboarding, rollerskating, pus breaking dance battles and demos, a makers market, music and food trucks.

In addition to the permanent wall murals, we also have the opportunity to commission 6 local artists from any discipline from the SO postcode, to produce work on art frames located in the Car Park. This is an example of a frame to be re-purposed for Multi-Stories. Previous years artworks can also be found on the project insta: @so.multistories

The opportunity is aimed at students and emerging artists, this is reflected in the fee, but other artists are not excluded.

This is an opportunity for non-Street Artists to have a go at painting live. There are no designs required beforehand. The artist can paint for one day or plan their time for both days of the event. A fee of £240 (including materials) will be paid to shortlisted artists and is in line with both A-N and The Arts Union England.

The permanent art pieces will be produced on 6 x Art Frames (3M w x 1.5M h) located at West Quay Multi Story Car Park. Artists will draw/paint live onto the frames on 17 and/or 18 May. This year the theme of the event is “Connections” – this could be a literal translation (connecting the various levels of the carpark) or a higher goal of bringing together people and communities, showing how art encourages collaboration or humans living in harmony
with nature. Use your creativity to explore the theme from your unique perspective.

Applications are encouraged from under-represented groups including Disabled, Black Asian, Ethnically Diverse and LGTBQ+ Artists.

To register your interest as an individual artist or as a group of artists for more than one art frame, please email a short bio of you and your work and a selection of images of your style or a link to your work with the Subject Heading: WestQuay SO Art Frames to: multistories@paintshopstudio.com

Timings

  • Expression of interest submission: by 20th April 2025 (midnight)
  • Shortlisted artists to be informed & confirmed: 29th April 2025
  • Painting of mural: 17th and/or 18th May 2025

Conditions

Please note that whilst you retain ownership of your designs, photos and/or videos of the progress and/or finished artworks may be used within Marketing materials and social media to promote WestQuay, Southampton Forward, the project and project partners.

Further Information

  • If you want to have a chat about the opportunity, please phone Joe on 07894 939521
  • All materials used on site must be approved by Hammerson PLC
  • As we are a public facility, all artworks should not be of a religious or political nature or contain material which is abusive, offensive, or sexually explicit.
  • Artists must have their own public liability insurance.
  • The murals are expected to be on permanent display (approx 8-12 months). Artists must consider durability and lifespan of image.

Sponsored by

Produced by

Founding City Partners

Event Partners