Project Type: Press release

Multi-Stories Returns for Its Third Year at Westquay’s Multi-Storey Car Park

Posted on March 11, 2025 by -

Multi-Stories Returns for Its Third Year at Westquay’s Multi-Storey Car Park

The highly anticipated Multi-Stories event is set to return for its third year, transforming Westquay’s multi-storey car park into a vibrant urban street art gallery on Saturday 17th and Sunday 18th May 2025. This year’s theme, ‘Connections’, celebrates not only the physical link between the different levels of artwork previously created in years one and two but also the deeper connections between people, communities, and creativity.

Building on the success of the past two years, Multi-Stories 2025 will further cement Southampton’s reputation as home to one of the most comprehensive public collections of street art in the UK, featuring permanent works from over 60 of the country’s most notable artists. 2025 will see murals spread across nine levels and visitors can expect to encounter something new and unexpected, with additional surprises yet to be announced.

Andy Jackson, Destination Director at Westquay, is delighted to see the event return in 2025: “We are thrilled to welcome Multi-Stories back for its third year at Westquay. This event has transformed our multi-storey car park into a dynamic and unexpected creative space, celebrating the incredible artistic talent within Southampton and beyond. We look forward to seeing how the theme of ‘Connections’ brings artists and communities together this year.”

The theme of ‘Connections’ will play a central role not only in the murals themselves but also in how the event is structured, promoting collaborations between international and local artists.

Rick Walker from Paintshop, the creative studio leading on curation and artist selection, said: “Our vision is to create a world-class mural gallery in Southampton, bringing in top-level artists from far and wide while also inspiring and involving the local community. This year, with the theme of ‘Connections’, we are actively encouraging artists to collaborate, reflecting the unique and collective spirit of street art.”

Beyond the striking visuals, Multi-Stories is also a catalyst for bringing people together. Claire Whitaker CBE, CEO of Southampton Forward, added: “Multi-Stories is a shining example of how public spaces can be reimagined to bring communities together through creativity. The event not only showcases incredible artistic talent but also creates lasting connections within our city.”

Engagement is at the heart of Multi-Stories, promoting creativity as accessible to all. As part of the team producing the event, creative consultant and artist Joe Ross from Good Idea Today, is leading on community workshops and emerging artist commissions. Emphasising the importance of inclusivity, she said: “From badge-making to life drawing, we want to ensure that everyone, regardless of age or experience, can take part in this celebration of street art and creativity”.

The 2025 edition of Multi-Stories will feature live mural painting from leading street artists, who will be collaborating in real-time to create large-scale murals. A dedicated community workshop area on Level 5 will provide interactive activities, including graffiti canvas painting, badge making, sticker art, chalk & tape art, and life drawing.

The ‘Design Your Own Mural’ competition will invite local schools to submit mural designs, with the winning entry recreated as a permanent mural by a professional artist during the event. Visitors can also experience the return of South Coast Makers Market, skateboarding and breakdancing displays and lessons, sets by local DJs and sample some tasty street food.

Since its inception in 2023, Multi-Stories has become one of the most significant street art initiatives in the UK, transforming the car park into an evolving permanent public art gallery. This year, artists will be encouraged to collaborate, creating murals that reflect the event’s overarching theme and the interwoven nature of art, culture, and community.

With even more to be revealed in the coming months, 2025 is set to be Multi-Stories’ most exciting year yet, cementing its place as a must-see event on Southampton’s cultural calendar.

The event will take place on Saturday 17th and Sunday 18th May, 12 – 6 pm on multiple levels of the Westquay Multi-Storey Car Park. The car park will remain open to vehicles as usual.

Women still face workplace challenges, says Sholing pub landlady

Posted on March 5, 2025 by -

Women still face workplace challenges, says Sholing pub landlady

This International Women’s Day, a landlady who runs a successful pub in Sholing says women still face challenges, not least of which is the gender pay gap, and that we should all get behind the theme of #AccelerateAction.

Jackie Murray, who runs the Robin Hood pub on South East Road, has been in managerial positions since the age of 19 and says during that time she has faced several obstacles.

“I’ve worked in retail for over 20 years and for most of that time I was doing the same job as my male counterpart, but he would always be on a higher salary,” she said.

Jackie relocated to Southampton just over two years ago, when she took over the Robin Hood. “I’ve never looked back,” she said.

However, she acknowledges that the work-life balance often affects women to a greater extent than it does men, and that’s why she wants everyone to back this year’s International Women’s Day theme of #AccelerateAction. She has three daughters and when her youngest was diagnosed with autism she had to take a career break to get her settled in the right school.

When she took over the Robin Hood in November 2022, Jackie made some key changes that have seen the business turn around. This included bringing back music, with regular bands, DJs and karaoke nights that go down very well with the locals and bring people from further afield too.

“From when I took over to now, I’d like to think we have created a great place for all our customers to visit, even with families.” Jackie said.

That sense of community will be celebrated when later this year the Robin Hood gets its very own bespoke mural, painted by local artist Joe Ross. The pub was one of nine venues in Southampton chosen to take part in Pub Cultures – a project that explores the role of pubs in our cultural history funded by Southampton Forward. Each venue was matched with a local artist to create art inspired by the unique identity of the pub and its patrons.

“It’s really exciting to be part of this project,” said Jackie. “It’s a whole new experience for me. I think it’s great that pubs are being celebrated in this way, and it’s been so good to be able to get really involved in the selection process. We were so lucky to be matched with Joe.

“Together we decided on an outdoor mural that reflects both our history and where we are today. I can’t wait to see the final piece.”

Looking back on her career, Jackie believes that working in hospitality was one of her best moves. “This industry is probably the least biased in terms of equal opportunities for men and women, and there are more and more females moving up the ranks.

“I’d advise any woman who wants a great career in management to strongly consider hospitality. But whatever their dream job, they should just go for it.”

Solent students help tell stories from the community in landmark project

Posted on January 28, 2025 by -

Solent students help tell stories from the community in landmark project



We were thrilled to see this press release on our partner Solent University’s website, highlighting their students’ fantastic contributions to our upcoming City Reflections project.

Creative students at Southampton Solent University have played a key role in capturing the stories of community legends to create City Reflections, a new-for-2025 attraction.

Produced in collaboration with Solent University, Southampton Forward, Double-Take Studios, Light Up Trails, and sponsored by Westquay, City Reflections celebrates the remarkable everyday people who make Southampton the fantastic place it is. Telling the story of community legends nominated by members of the public through a stunning light projection and soundscape, City Reflections recruited the support of a talented cohort of Solent students to bring the project to life.

Third-year BA (Hons) Film and Television student, Natalie Madziyire, says:

“I really enjoyed working on the City Reflections project as it allowed me to gain more experience on what it is like to work in film, especially in a professional setting. I really appreciated meeting the community legends and collaborating with everyone on the team that allowed the project to come to life!”

11 students across several courses, including BA (Hons) Film and Television, Photography, Film Production, Television Production, Digital Music and MA Film Production, got involved in the project, with the University also opening the doors to its industry-standard facilities to enable external partners to create unique visuals for the final attraction. Course Leader Film and Television, Dr Stuart Joy, says:

“City Reflections has been a truly inspiring project to be part of. By bringing together community stories, innovative technology and student-led creative talent, we’ve not only celebrated the incredible individuals who make Southampton special but also provided our students with invaluable real-world experience. Watching our students grow as filmmakers, photographers and creative practitioners through this collaboration has been deeply rewarding.

“This project highlights the meaningful impact students can have on local community-led initiatives, showcasing their creativity and professionalism while contributing to a powerful celebration of Southampton’s identity.”

The project gave students the opportunity to gain CV-boosting practical work experience, while also instilling a sense of civic pride as they met city residents and learned more about their stories. In total, students were pivotal in the production of 50 filmed interviews and 50 high-quality portraits of community legends, which are being used to create a unique visual display for residents of all ages to enjoy.

MA Film Production student and project co-director at Solent, Luke Small, says:

“This project was really beneficial in a variety of ways, and working with a range of media-based students and external organisations like Southampton Forward to bring this project to life was fantastic.

“City Reflections really allowed me to grow my team leadership and project management skills, while giving us students the wheel with creativity. Equally, hearing and connecting with the Southampton legends was really special, and it was joyous to see how passionate they were about what they do for the community.”

On Friday 14 February, community members from every part of Southampton are invited to The Esplanade, Westquay to view City Reflections as it is unveiled in all its glory. With cutting-edge projection mapping, an immersive soundscape, and memorable light show, the free event gives everyone the opportunity to witness what is possible when people from all over the city work together in this way.

Claire Whitaker, CEO of Southampton Forward, said:

“At Southampton Forward, we are passionate about creating opportunities for emerging talent and fostering connections across our city. Working alongside Solent University and its talented students has been an absolute privilege, and their creativity and professionalism have been integral to bringing this inspiring project to life. We are incredibly proud of the role they have played in shining a spotlight on the remarkable individuals who make Southampton such a vibrant place to live, work, and visit.”

City Reflections runs Friday 14 to Sunday 23 February 2025. It is free to attend. Additionally, locations across the city will be lit up by immersive light shows, including at St Mary’s Stadium.

Corner shop catwalk: innovative exhibition celebrates Southampton’s local culture and highlights students’ creativity

Posted on November 22, 2024 by -

Corner shop catwalk: innovative exhibition celebrates Southampton’s local culture and highlights students’ creativity

An exciting new exhibition is set to be unveiled at The Spark Atrium, Solent University. The Corner Shop & Portals into Other Worlds, a multidisciplinary exhibition that brings together community, culture and creativity, will run from 2-4 December 2024.

This unique project, a collaboration between Southampton Forward, Solent University, Winchester School of Art and seven local corner shops, explores the essence of Southampton’s diverse corner shops as cultural and community hubs, operating quietly but crucially at the heart of local neighbourhoods.

Drawing inspiration from Babita Sharma’s book The Corner Shop, the project highlights these familiar spaces as vital cultural landmarks. Seven corner shops – each with its own story and loyal customer base – are brought to life through the work of students from Solent University and Winchester School of Art, who have contributed to the project by designing original fashion pieces, providing photography and documenting stories.

This free public exhibition invites the community to experience these stories and celebrate the role Southampton’s corner shops play in the city’s cultural identity.

“This project is a powerful example of how community collaboration can create new connections and celebrate our city’s diversity,” said Claire Whitaker, CEO of Southampton Forward.

“Corner shops are more than businesses; they’re meeting points, support networks and places where Southampton’s multicultural stories intersect every day. Working with students to amplify these stories through fashion, photography and creative writing has given us all a fresh appreciation for the role these shops play in our daily lives.”

At the core of the project is a student-led fashion showcase inspired by the unique role of corner shops in the community. From workwear to luxe sportswear and party attire, each look tells a story of how these local shops serve as cultural bridges. This project also includes newly designed shop signs and accessories created in partnership with Southampton’s Women’s Integration Group (WIG), celebrating the corner shop’s part in the city’s social fabric.

As Stephanie Allen, Project Producer, explains: “The Corner Shop project has been an invaluable learning experience for students across multiple disciplines, from fashion design to makeup artistry, photography and media. It’s been fantastic to see them apply their creative talents and develop new skills while engaging directly with our city’s communities. These students have shown remarkable dedication, and their work serves as a vibrant ‘love letter’ to Southampton’s corner shops.”

Alongside the student designs, the exhibition will feature a new creative writing piece by local author Susmita Bhattacharya. Drawing on oral histories collected from shopkeepers, Bhattacharya’s evocative narrative honours the resilience and diversity of Southampton’s corner shops and reflects their touchstones of shared memories and community pride.

Event Details:
Dates: 2-4 December 2024
Location: The Spark Atrium, Solent University, East Park Terrace, Southampton SO14 0YN
Time: 9.00am to 5.30pm (open to the public and free to attend)

For more information visit southamptonforward.org.uk/thecornershop

The Corner Shop and Portal into Other Worlds is the brainchild of Creative Producer Darrell Vydelingum and is supported by funding from Arts Council England, Heritage Lottery Fund and Esmée Fairbairn Foundation.

Two Weeks Until Jane Austen’s Writing Desk Arrives in Southampton for 250th Anniversary Events!

Posted on November 5, 2024 by -

Two weeks to go until Jane Austen’s travelling writing desk goes on display in Southampton kicking off city-wide programme of events marking 250th anniversary year

The desk will be the centrepiece of a fascinating exhibition where fans will be able to see up close where the author penned early drafts of some of her now internationally famous novels.

Launching on Friday, November 15th, the exhibition, celebrating the 250th anniversary of Jane Austen’s birth next year, brings one of the most famous writing desks in the world to God’s House Tower. The exhibition will run for three months ending on the 23rd of February 2025.

It marks the start of a city-wide programme of events to celebrate the anniversary year that will include opportunities for local communities to get involved through workshops, creative commissions and activities.

‘a space’ arts has worked with Southampton Forward to secure the desk on loan from the British Library. The loan is supported by the Weston Loan Programme with Art Fund.  Created by the Garfield Weston Foundation and Art Fund, the Weston Loan Programme is the first ever UK-wide funding scheme to enable smaller and local authority museums to borrow works of art and artefacts from national collections.

Sophia Weston, Deputy Chair of the Garfield Weston Foundation, said: “The Weston Loan Programme empowers regional organisations to bring fascinating art and objects to local audiences. This exhibition in Southampton, which celebrates the city’s connections with one of Britain’s best loved authors, is a great example of the kind of ambitious partnership working we created the programme to support.”

One of the most famous British authors, Jane Austen’s strong connections to the south of England – Hampshire and Bath in particular – have been well publicised, but the authors’ links with Southampton are lesser known. Austen was sent to school in Southampton when she was 7 years old and visited several more times before living in the city in her early 30s.

‘a space’ arts manage God’s House Tower, the award-winning flagship arts and heritage venue located in Southampton’s historic Old Town. Through capital investment, an ambitious programme of exhibitions and artist commissions, ‘a space’ have re-animated the 13th century heritage building with support from Southampton City Council, National Lottery Heritage Fund and Arts Council England. Their partnership with Southampton Forward on this project means that God’s House Tower has gained national loan accreditation status, supported by Southampton City Council’s Culture team, opening up future opportunities to borrow important works from national collections.

Dan Crow, Director of ‘a space’ arts, said: “We are thrilled to host the travelling writing desk and look forward to producing an exhibition that will launch a city-wide programme of events and activities to mark Jane’s 250th birthday. This is a fantastic opportunity for ‘a space’, our team and award-winning venue GHT, to expand our knowledge, reach new audiences and gain international exposure”.

‘a space’ is working closely with Southampton Forward on this project, an independent charity that works in partnership across the city to enhance the cultural and economic impact of Southampton.

Claire Whitaker, CEO of Southampton Forward, said: “This is a great opportunity for the city. The return of Jane Austen’s desk to Southampton marks the first in a series of events which celebrate ‘Jane Austen 250’, which is part of a regional programme. These events will celebrate Jane Austen’s deep ties to Southampton, invite different perspectives of her life and literary works and explore her writing through a contemporary lens”.

From November the desk will be exhibited in The Barker Mill Project Space, with Contemporary sculptor Jocelyn McGregor filling GHT’s main gallery with her commission ’No Notion of Loving by Halves’.

For more information about the Jane Austen exhibition visit: godshousetower.co.uk

To check in on further plans for Jane Austen 250 visit: visitsouthampton.co.uk/janeausten250

Contemporary sculptor announced to exhibit alongside Jane Austen’s iconic travelling writing desk in a city-wide programme of events to mark her 250th anniversary year

Posted on October 1, 2024 by -

Contemporary sculptor announced to exhibit alongside Jane Austen’s iconic travelling writing desk in a city-wide programme of events to mark her 250th anniversary year

Contemporary sculptor Jocelyn McGregor has been announced as the artist exhibiting alongside Jane Austen’s iconic travelling writing desk, which is on loan to God’s House Tower this winter.

The famous writing desk will return to Southampton for the first time since the author lived in the city over 200 years ago, as the centrepiece of a fascinating exhibition where fans will be able to see up-close the desk on which she penned early drafts of some of her now internationally famous novels.

The exhibition, celebrating the 250th anniversary of Jane Austen’s birth next year, brings one of the most famous writing desks in the world to God’s Tower from the 15th of November 2024 through to the 23rd of February 2025. It marks the start of a city-wide programme of events to celebrate the anniversary year that will include opportunities for local communities to get involved through workshops, creative commissions and activities.

Lovers of history and literature will be able to see for themselves where Austen wrote or revised some of her most famous works, and ‘a space’ arts has commissioned artist Jocelyn McGregor to create a new contemporary art installation that will accompany the exhibition of Austen’s desk. Jocelyn’s multi-media art installation will explore the often intense female relationships in Jane Austen’s letters and novels.

Jocelyn answered an open call to artists earlier this year, and has now been announced as the artist that will be exhibiting alongside the desk. She is known for her work as a sculptor, but will be bringing performance, body casting and sculpture to the exhibition.

Talking about her work, Jocelyn said: “In my artistic practice, I’m on the hunt for the point of transition between internal and external, organic and synthetic, and real and imagined worlds. Using my own body as a conduit, I combine beauty products, industrial, domestic, organic and synthetic materials and forms to create supernatural hybrid monsters and their imagined habitats.”

Jocelyn explained how her love of the gothic has inspired her exhibition. She said: “With gothic literature and with Jane Austen you have to read between the lines. The Regency period is often seen as one of civility and forced politeness, but there’s so much more to it. Austen wrote about a lot of topics that weren’t the norm for women back then. She was incredibly progressive. We are an audience looking at her work more than 200 years after it was created. It’s fascinating to think what an audience 200 years on from now will make of mine. I’m very excited about this opportunity.”

When asked what people could expect from her work, Jocelyn said: “Large scale installations, body casting and a sense of performance. It is a contemporary work, delving into a new performance piece which includes a take on the female relationships of the characters within Austen’s work, with a gothic twist.”

The writing desk is on loan from the British Library, with support from Art Fund’s Weston Loan Programme. God’s House Tower is an award-winning heritage and art venue in the heart of Southampton’s Old Town, owned by Southampton City Council and managed by Southampton-based charity ‘a space’ arts, who have worked with Southampton Forward to secure the loan of the desk.

Dates announced for exhibition of Jane Austen’s iconic travelling writing desk in a city-wide programme of events to mark her 250th anniversary year

Posted on August 30, 2024 by -

Dates announced for exhibition of Jane Austen’s iconic travelling writing desk in a city-wide programme of events to mark her 250th anniversary year

The travelling writing desk of world-famous author Jane Austen will be on display at God’s House Tower this autumn, just a stone’s throw from where Austen lived during her time in Southampton.

The famous writing desk will return to Southampton for the first time since the author lived in the city over 200 years ago, as the centrepiece of a fascinating exhibition where fans will be able to see up-close the desk on which she penned early drafts of some of her now internationally famous novels.

The exhibition, celebrating the 250th anniversary of Jane Austen’s birth next year, brings one of the most iconic writing desks in the world to God’s Tower from the 15th of November 2023 through to the 23rd of February 2024. It marks the start of a city-wide programme of events to mark the anniversary year, that will include opportunities for local communities to get involved through workshops, creative commissions and activities.

The writing desk is on loan from the British Library, with support from Art Fund’s Weston Loan Programme. God’s House Tower is an award-winning heritage and art venue in the heart of Southampton’s Old Town, owned by Southampton City Council and managed by Southampton-based charity ‘a space’ arts.

Lovers of history and literature will be able to see for themselves where Austen wrote or revised some of her most famous works, and ‘a space’ arts have commissioned local artist Jocelyn McGregor who is creating a new contemporary art installation that will accompany the exhibition of Austen’s desk. Jocelyn’s contemporary multi-media art installation will explore the often intense female relationships in Jane Austen’s letters and novels.

Dan Crow, Director of ‘a space’ arts, said: “We’re so pleased that we’ve been able to secure this amazing piece of cultural history for our celebration of Jane Austen’s life, working closely with Southampton Forward. This is the first time Jane’s writing desk, together with her reading glasses and inkwell, will be returning to Southampton since the famous author lived in the city between 1806 and 1809.

“It’s impossible to overstate the influence and impact of Jane Austen’s work. She was truly a pioneer in fiction. We are delighted to be able to celebrate her life and work in the city where she once lived.”

Claire Whitaker CBE, CEO of Southampton Forward, said: “It feels right that Jane Austen’s writing desk will be the centrepiece of Southampton’s celebration of the 250th anniversary of her birth. For many authors, and particularly women writers, finding the time and the privacy to write wasn’t easy. Jane lived her life in shared spaces, so we imagine this beautiful desk, a gift from her father when Jane was nineteen years old, must have been very precious to her.

“It is fascinating to think that she wrote or revised many of her now world-famous novels on this compact writing slope, which contains compartments for holding an ink pot, sealing wax, a knife and writing implements, plus an all-important lockable drawer. Exhibitions like this really do help make history come alive and opens them up to contemporary audiences to explore the continuing relevance today.”

Councillor Lorna Fielker, Leader of Southampton City Council said:

“It is fantastic that we can highlight a nationally important female author with strong connections to Southampton and the region through the partnership of Southampton City Council, Southampton Forward, ‘a space arts’ and the Art Fund. This is an important step in developing our cultural tourism offer to attract regional, national and international visitors, by leveraging investment to grow the cultural experience alongside Southampton City Art Gallery, SeaCity Museum, Tudor House, Solent Sky Museum, John Hansard Gallery and many others to deliver economic growth and prosperity.”

For more information about the Jane Austen exhibition visit: godshousetower.co.uk

To check in on further plans for Jane Austen 250 visit: visitsouthampton.co.uk/

 ‘a space’ arts

‘a space’ arts is a visual arts organisation that supports and inspires artists, audiences and communities through an ambitious programme of exhibitions, artist resources, opportunities, and by culturally reanimating lost spaces with arts and heritage.

By young people, for young people – Emerge Youth Festival comes to Southampton this September

Posted on August 30, 2024 by -

By young people, for young people

Emerge Youth Festival comes to Southampton this September

Southampton Forward has partnered with SoCo Music Project who are developing a new youth festival in Southampton, led and co-designed by a group of young people. Emerge Youth Festival is a vibrant free event that captures the voices and ideas of over 200 young people from communities across the city.

Facilitated by SoCo Music Project, in partnership with Southampton Forward, Emerge Youth Festival will take place at Hogland’s Park on Saturday 7th September from 12 noon to 6pm, with all of Southampton’s young people invited to come along for a range of music sets by local bands, DJ’s and solo performers, as well as free creative workshops, craft stalls and food vendors.

Emerge Youth Festival will be the outcome of extensive engagement with young people aged 11-18 conducted by SoCo Music Project over the winter – as part of this process a group of young people put up their hand to continue their involvement and lead on the design and creation of the festival. One of the key themes emerging from the research was that young people wanted a festival that was not designed for them but created with and by them.

“Through school assemblies, small group work, open music sessions and detached youth sessions, 62 young people stepped up to help co-create this free festival that showcases the emerging talent and creativity from the city,” said Josh Deen, Community Music Practitioner at SoCo Music and Emerge Project Manager.

Southampton Forward wants the festival to help create pathways for future careers. “Through this process, the young people will develop skills as creative producers, practitioners and performers,” said Kate Jackman, Event Producer at Southampton Forward. “It’s also an opportunity to give voice to our young city and allow them to explore the issues and themes that are important and relevant to them”.

As well as the fantastic music lineup, young people can explore various stalls from local independents and vendors, including face painting, clothing, crafts and more. “Alongside the music and stalls, there will be lots of opportunities to take part in free creative workshops at Emerge” said Shannon B, Music Leader at SoCo Music and Emerge Project Co-ordinator. “Why not take a singing workshop with one of our tutors? Who knows, you might be starring on one of our stages next year!”

Emerge Youth Festival is supported by funding from Arts Council England, Esme Fairbairn Foundation, Southampton City Council and GO! Southampton. A range of local partners are also getting involved, including ZoieLogic Dance Theatre, In Focus Education and No Limits.

ENDS

For further information, contact:

gabbyh@southamptonforward.org.uk

To find out more about Emerge Youth Festival, click here.

To find out more about SoCo’s music engagement programmes, click here.

About SoCo Music Project

SoCo create opportunities for more people to take part in music and help people discover something new, learn new skills and nurture their creative potential. They also run sector-support programmes to improve lives through training and networking.

City Reflections 2025 has been announced

Posted on August 30, 2024 by -

City Reflections 2025 has been announced

Call for ‘Community Legend’ nominations

An innovative light festival will show Southampton in a new light next February, and Southampton Forward is calling for nominations for local people from communities across the city to be featured, shining a light on the people who make Southampton.

City Reflections will celebrate local people and highlight the diverse stories, culture and heritage of Southampton’s communities. Hundreds of images and video clips featuring local people will be projected onto walls and buildings to shine a light on the difference – either big and small – made by Sotonians to their city.

Westquay are lead sponsor for the event, which is also supported by funding from National Lottery Heritage Fund, Esmee Fairbairn Foundation and Arts Council England.

Andy Jackson, Destination Director at Westquay said: “Collaborating with local artists and creatives is just one of the ways we are evolving Westquay from a place where people come only to shop, to a destination which connects the community through an exciting mix of uses including culture. City Reflections is a celebration of the unsung heroes who have shaped Southampton, and we are proud to sponsor this exciting event which will pay them homage.”

The trail will shine a light on the city’s Community Legends – those often-hidden people who make a material difference to the life of the city. Through photography and projection, this trail will light up key sites across Southampton, supported by an online trail map providing the opportunity for people to engage with their city and its people in a new and different way.

“This event is a unique opportunity for Southampton’s vibrant communities to showcase their rich cultural heritage and celebrate the individuals who make our city truly special,” said Cllr Christie Lambert, Cabinet Member for Communities at Southampton City Council.

“Working cross-sector with multiple partners including the universities, schools, community groups, charities, and businesses, City Reflections will undoubtedly create a truly memorable event that reflects the vast diversity and vibrant spirit of Southampton.”

Shaped by local people and their nominations, City Reflections will illuminate and animate the Southampton cityscape during the darker months of the year. Starting on 15th February 2025, the event will run over nine days, including both weekends of the February half term to make it accessible to families and visitors.

“We’re so looking forward to launching this fantastic event,” said Jasmine Taylor, Community Engagement Manager at Southampton Forward, “and we’re now asking people to come forward and nominate their Community Legends – those people who brighten the lives of those around them – whether they’re a local hero who gives up their free time to volunteer in community projects, a friendly neighbour always there to help, or a quiet force for good, we want City Reflections to show how much people make Southampton”.

Home Theatre project comes to Southampton

Posted on August 15, 2024 by -

Home Theatre project comes to Southampton

Call for local stories

Southampton Forward has partnered with Solent University and leading director Kerry Kyriacos Michael MBE to deliver an exciting project that will shine a light on the experiences and heritage of people across the city.

Southampton Forward is inviting artists, theatre-makers and members of the public to shape a bold and exciting new project that will see the creation of bespoke new pieces of theatre sharing stories from diverse communities across Southampton. Made in collaboration with local artists and performed in homes across the city, the plays will celebrate the voices of residents through their stories of what it means to be Sotonian from the many different perspectives of people living in Southampton.

Home Theatre – Southampton will create three networks: local people, theatre makers and film makers. The collaboration between these groups is anticipated to generate creative energy, new ideas and insights, making this an important and exciting project, supported by funding from Arts Council England, Esmée Fairbairn Foundation and National Lottery Heritage Fund.

The performances will take place in the intimate settings of local homes across Southampton and will be filmed over the weekend of Saturday 26th and Sunday 27th October 2024. A screening of the film in early 2025 will invite audiences from around the world to see the work and be part of an online conversation about what it means to live in a global city that speaks over 160 languages with a rich maritime history.

To bring this project to life Southampton Forward is collaborating with Olivier Award-winning Theatre Director Kerry Kyriacos Michael. Kerry was Artistic Director at The Theatre Royal, Stratford East for 13 years, and led one of the most pioneering programmes of work in developing community-led collaborations both inside and outside of the venue.

Southampton Forward is looking for theatre makers, directors and stage managers to help shape this project, working with local residents who will host performances in their homes. Working collaboratively to co-design the performances, artists and residents will come together to make new work based on the diverse stories of people living in any of the 17 wards of the city and what it means to belong in Southampton. Rehearsing together and devising the performance, local hosts will be encouraged to invite their own audience of friends and family to a final performance in their homes, supported by our creative team of theatre makers, producers and film crew. 

Kerry Kyriacos Michaelsaid, “Theatre is about telling great stories; this project will capture these from across the city. It’s also a great opportunity for artists and Southampton audiences to come together and have an open dialogue about their stories and the project.”   

Students from Solent University will be filming all the performances for Southampton Forward’s Home Theatre digital event, which will take place early in 2025. Audiences will be encouraged to comment and talk about the work using social media. 

Members of the public wishing to volunteer to take part in this exciting project can find out further details by visiting Southampton Forward’s website and are asked to register their interest online by 28th August. 

Leader of Southampton City Council, Councillor Lorna Fielker said: “I am delighted that Southampton Forward has secured funding for exciting projects like Home Theatre Southampton, which celebrate our city’s diverse communities and cultural heritage, spotlighting the people who shape Southampton’s unique identity. I really look forward to seeing the results of the creative collaboration between communities, artists and Solent University students, funded by National Lottery Heritage Fund, Esmée Fairbairn Foundation and Arts Council England, led by Southampton Forward.”

Annie Sanger-Davies, Course Director at Solent University and Home Theatre project producer, said: “We’re so excited to be delivering this fantastic, imaginative project, and we’re hoping people from across the city will want to engage with it and share their stories.”

Claire Whitaker, CEO of Southampton Forward said, ‘’It’s wonderful to see this project coming to life. It combines the opportunity to shine a spotlight on the stories and heritage of Sotonians in an imaginative way, with an opportunity for local theatre practitioners to develop their professional practice and access mentoring by an Oliver-award winning theatre director.

“We are grateful for the funding support from Arts Council England, National Lottery Heritage Fund and Esmée Fairbairn Foundation which has enabled this project to happen, as well as the ongoing commitment from our founding partners.”

Key dates to note are:

  • 5th – 28th August –call for community participants and theatre practitioners
  • 26th – 27th October – performances in 12 homes
  • 25th January 2025 – film screening at MAST

For further information, contact:

To find out more, and register your interest in participating in Home Theatre visit www.southamptonforward.org.uk/home-theatre