New short film ‘Belonging’ set to premiere at Mayflower Studios
By William Dalgleish, Reporter
A new short film is set to shine a spotlight on Southampton and its creative communities.
The film, titled Belonging, will premiere in Southampton as part of a free evening of short films celebrating culture, identity, and creativity at Mayflower Studios on Tuesday, March 25.
Claire Whittaker, chief executive of Southampton Forward, said: “Stories of Belonging is about celebrating the everyday creativity and shared experiences that shape our city.
Through film, we’re bringing together voices from across Southampton to reflect on what makes this place feel like home.
“We’re excited to share Belonging and a brilliant range of local films that show the richness, diversity, and imagination of our creative communities.”
Created by Southampton Forward in collaboration with City Eye, Belonging explores the meaning of home, placemaking, and creative participation through personal stories gathered from across the city.
The event will also include a curated programme of short films offering a snapshot of Southampton and the wider Solent region.
Local voices and stories celebrated in new Southampton film showcase
Southampton Forward will host a free evening of film celebrating the people, places and creative communities that make Southampton feel like home – taking place at Mayflower Studios on Tuesday 25 March 2026, from 7.15pm to 9.00pm.
The event will premiere ‘Belonging’, a new short film created by Southampton Forward in collaboration with City Eye. Drawing together stories from their recent cultural programmes – from grassroots creativity to large-scale projects – the film explores what helps people feel connected to where they live and their reflections on being involved in the city’s cultural activity.
Combining interviews, local perspectives and moments of everyday creativity, ‘Belonging’ captures the voices, ideas and projects that have shaped Southampton Forward’s cultural programmes over the past two years. The film reflects on belonging, placemaking and the value of creative participation in the life of the city.
Alongside the premiere, audiences will enjoy a curated selection of short films submitted by local organisations and creatives, offering a snapshot of Southampton and the wider Solent region. These films explore diverse perspectives on cultural participation, local identity and the many ways people find a sense of belonging.
Claire Whittaker, CEO of Southampton Forward, said: “Stories of Belonging is about celebrating the everyday creativity and shared experiences that shape our city. Through film, we’re bringing together voices from across Southampton to reflect on what makes this place feel like home. We’re excited to share ‘Belonging’ and a brilliant range of local films that show the richness, diversity and imagination of our creative communities.”
Southampton changemakers enter final stage of leadership programme
Ignite, Southampton’s new leadership programme for emerging community changemakers, is entering its final phase – with 13 participants now putting their learning into action across the city.
Ignite is a six-month leadership programme designed for people who live or work in Southampton and are already making a positive difference in their communities. Rather than focusing on job titles or traditional leadership pathways, the programme supports individuals at the early stages of their leadership journey to build confidence, strengthen their skills, and increase their impact.
As the cohort moves into the final stage, participants are delivering their personal leadership challenges – projects shaped around real issues in their communities – while continuing to draw on the networks, tools, and confidence developed throughout the programme.
One participant, Paul Lipscombe, is taking on an ambitious new challenge by managing a large allotment plot with the support of a team of volunteers. Together, they plan to grow vegetables throughout the year, with the produce shared through the Roundabout Café – a community café run by Abri and supported by volunteers.
Paul, Wilder Champion and Community Volunteer for Mansbridge, said: “Ignite has given me the confidence and clarity to take on a new challenge in my community. Managing a large allotment plot with a team of volunteers feels ambitious, but the programme has helped me think differently about leadership and what’s possible when people come together.
“This project isn’t just about growing food, it’s about creating a shared space where people can learn and support the wider community. Knowing that the produce will be shared through the community café makes it feel even more meaningful and Ignite has really reinforced the power of local action to create positive change.”
Ignite is facilitated by Amanda Smethurst, an independent facilitator, coach, and consultant. Her experience across leadership development, creativity, and coaching has shaped the programme’s reflective, practical, and people-centred approach.
Amanda adds: “A key part of Ignite is helping people recognise the leadership potential they already have. From projects like Paul’s community-led allotment, which combines volunteering, food growing and social connection, to initiatives supporting families and neighbourhoods across the city, participants are turning learning into action – building momentum for change that will continue long after the programme ends.”
Ignite is delivered by Southampton Forward, supporting local people who are committed to strengthening communities and shaping the city’s future.
Southampton Forward collaborates with SoCo Music Project on Emerge Festival 2026
The following press release has been provided by SoCo Music Project. Southampton Forward is pleased to be collaborating with SoCo Music Project on Emerge 2026.
SoCo Music Project are delivering and hosting Emerge 2026 at Planet Sounds, with support from Southampton Forward.
Youth-Led Music Festival Returns to Southampton at Planet Sounds
EMERGE Festival – 7 March 2026 | 12-8pm | Planet Sounds, Southampton
A vibrant, youth-led music festival is set to return to Southampton this spring, as SoCo Music Project announces a two-day celebration of local talent, creativity and community at Planet Sounds on 7th March 2026.
Building on the success of the Emerge Festival 2024, the 2026 event has been co-designed, developed and delivered in partnership with young people, placing their voices, ideas and leadership at the heart of the programme. Over the course of the day, Planet Sounds will come alive with live performances from local bands and artists, alongside creative stalls, workshops and interactive activities.
The festival will provide a safe, inclusive and welcoming space for young people, celebrating the breadth of emerging talent in Southampton while offering meaningful opportunities to perform, learn new skills and connect with peers. The event reflects SoCo Music Project’s long-standing commitment to youth empowerment, creative development and wellbeing through music.
The Emerge Festival 2024 demonstrated the power of youth-led cultural activity, with evaluation highlighting strong outcomes around confidence, skills development, community pride and positive representation of young people in the city. The 2026 festival builds on this legacy, expanding opportunities for young artists and reinforcing Southampton’s growing grassroots music scene.
The festival is delivered by SoCo Music Project, with support from Southampton Forward and Southampton City Council, funded through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.
Matt Salvage, CEO of SoCo Music Project, said:
“This festival is about young people leading the way — shaping the culture they want to see in their city. Planet Sounds is a space where creativity, safety and opportunity come together, and this event is a celebration of Southampton’s next generation of artists, producers and creatives.”
The festival will take place at Planet Sounds, SoCo Music Project’s dedicated community music venue in the heart of the city.
Further details, including the full line-up and workshop programme, will be announced in early 2026.
Southampton’s Young Creatives Take The Lead in Jane Austen’s 250th Year
A youth-led celebration inspired by Jane Austen’s 250th year will take place on Tuesday 16th December 2025 from 2–5pm at Southampton Central Library, where all are welcome to drop in to Jane’s Big Birthday Bash.
The event is part of a wider public showcase of work from the ‘Your Stories’ programme – a series of free, youth-led and designed creative workshops delivered by Artswork in partnership with In Focus.
The afternoon will feature a range of creative activities for all ages, including making blackout poetry from Jane’s words, badge-making, bookmark designing, Jane-themed party games and of course, birthday cake. Cake cutting will take place at 3pm, followed by spoken word performances at 4pm.
Though led by young creatives, the ‘Your Stories’ programme welcomed participants of all ages to explore their own creativity through workshops in blackout poetry, collage, fashion, cartoons, poetry, abstract painting, textiles and more. Taking place between August and October 2025, the sessions drew inspiration from Austen’s wit, her keen social observations, and her enduring cultural legacy.
The programme forms part of Southampton Forward’s Jane Austen 250 celebrations – a two-year citywide initiative exploring Austen’s impact through culture and creativity. Work created during the workshops is currently on public display as part of the ‘Your Stories’ exhibition at Southampton Central Library, open until Friday 19th December.
Louise Govier, Chief Executive of Artswork said: “Your Stories’ has given young people the space to lead and get creative, all through the lens of Jane Austen’s themes of identity, humour, observation and belonging. It has been brilliant to see how they have reinterpreted Austen for today, and how the city has responded to their ideas with such enthusiasm.”
Jasmine Matthews, Community Engagement Manager for Southampton Forward added: “Jane Austen’s 250th year has been a major moment for Southampton. Projects like Your Stories capture exactly what we hoped to achieve – celebrating Austen’s connection to the city not only historically, but in inclusive, contemporary ways that invite creative participation across our communities.”
Austen lived in Southampton between 1806 and 1809, and her time in the city remains a valued chapter of her life. The Jane Austen 250 programme, led by Southampton Forward and supported by partners across the city, has celebrated her legacy through festivals, performances, workshops, exhibitions and community projects throughout 2024 and 2025.
‘Your Stories’ is delivered by Artswork in partnership with In Focus Education & Development and is supported by Southampton Forward, The National Lottery Heritage Fund and the Foyle Foundation as part of Jane Austen 250.
Artswork is a charity that empowers young people through creativity, so they can build a better future – for themselves and others.
Southampton Forward works in partnership across culture, festivals, events, tourism and cultural regeneration. Through collaboration across the city and wider region, we deliver creative, community-led programmes that build connection, pride and opportunity.
Old Town Businesses Invited to Be Part of Southampton’s Spectacular Light Trail, City Reflections
Southampton Forward is inviting Old Town and city centre businesses to get involved in City Reflections: Illuminating Southampton’s Stories – an unmissable light projection trail that will transform the city centre and Old Town across four enchanting evenings, Wednesday 18 to Saturday 21 February 2026, from 6pm to 8pm.
Created in partnership with Southampton City Council, the event will bring thousands of visitors into the heart of the city at a quieter time of year, illuminating Southampton’s stunning Old Town with a six-point projection trail. Each stop will feature large-scale visuals, immersive soundscapes and storytelling inspired by the city’s remarkable Art, Maritime and Archaeology collections.
“We’re inviting Old Town businesses to join in and be part of this celebration of Southampton,” said Gabby Hyman, Marketing & Communications Manager at Southampton Forward. “Businesses can act as trail map pick-up points, display posters, and offer special promotions or discounts to visitors who complete the trail – helping create a buzz across the Old Town while attracting new customers.”
Participating businesses will be featured on the official City Reflections website and highlighted through Southampton Forward’s marketing campaign, gaining extra visibility and connecting with the thousands of visitors exploring the area during the event.
Councillor Alex Winning, Leader of Southampton City Council, said:
“We are delighted to be working with Southampton Forward on this inspiring project. It’s a wonderful opportunity to showcase Southampton’s world-class collections and heritage ahead of the City Art Gallery’s reopening, while shining a light on our local businesses and communities.”
Stephen Manion, Executive Director of GO! Southampton, added:
“This project will bring Southampton’s Old Town to life. It’s a fantastic chance for local businesses to get involved with an event that will draw people in and highlight one of the city’s most beautiful and historic areas.”
Businesses interested in signing up can do so here:
City Reflections is presented by Southampton Forward in partnership with Southampton City Council and creative partners Light Up Trails and Double Take Projections
Supported by funding from Arts Council England, Esmée Fairbairn Foundation and The National Lottery Heritage Fund
Also supported by Southampton Forward’s founding city partners: Southampton City Council, University of Southampton, Southampton Solent University, GO! Southampton, Paris Smith LLP and Mayflower Theatre
Our thanks to the Southampton City Council’s Museum, Gallery and Archive collections and Historic Monuments
Southampton’s Jazz Story sells out Mayflower Studios with a powerful celebration of the city’s jazz heritage
Southampton, 20 October 2025 – Southampton’s Jazz Story brought the house down at MAST Mayflower Studios on Saturday night, with a sold-out audience treated to an unforgettable celebration of the city’s deep connection with jazz and its place in the evolution of the genre in the UK.
Presented by Southampton Forward in partnership with Black History Month South, this one-night-only production celebrated how jazz in Southampton – shaped by its role as a global port — has reflected the city’s spirit of migration, cultural exchange and creativity for over a century.
Hosted and narrated by Grammy Award-winning writer and producer Mykaell S. Riley, the show brought history vividly to life through live music, storytelling and rare archive footage. Under the musical direction of Peter Edwards, a 12-piece house band delivered an exhilarating performance alongside seven remarkable vocalists – from internationally acclaimed names to exceptional Southampton talent.
Highlights included spellbinding performances from Claire Martin OBE and David McAlmont, whose vocals drew standing ovations, while Jay Phelps’s electrifying trumpet solos were a masterclass in contemporary jazz brilliance. Rising local stars Isla Croll and CJ Edwards shone alongside the soulful Queenie, performing reimagined works by Louis Armstrong, Duke Ellington, Ella Fitzgerald, Charles Mingus and Count Basie, as well as tributes to British and Caribbean pioneers Cleo Laine, John Dankworth and Joe Harriott.
The evening reached a joyful climax when the full band and all seven vocalists returned to the stage for Peter Edwards’s high-energy arrangement of Louis Armstrong’s When the Saints Go Marching In. The rousing finale brought the story of jazz and the city full circle – a fitting nod to Southampton’s most famous anthem and the pride of its football club, the Saints. The audience were clapping and singing along in a jubilant celebration of music, memory and local identity.
Claire Whitaker CBE, CEO of Southampton Forward, said:
“Southampton’s Jazz Story was something truly special – a sold-out celebration that brought together extraordinary musicians and an audience united by pride in this city’s unique cultural heritage. The project began as the creative vision of Don John and Black History Month South, whose input have been instrumental in uncovering Southampton’s jazz legacy and bringing this story to life.
None of it would have been possible without the incredible collaboration between our partners and supporters – from national funders and passionate donors to the local venues and individuals who share our love for this story. Our heartfelt thanks go to Cole Mathieson and the Concorde Club, Turner Sims and Kevin Appleby, and Mayflower Theatre, whose commitment and collaboration helped make this project a resounding success.”
Don John, founder of Black History Month South and co-creator of the project, added:
“This was a moving and joyful celebration of how jazz helped shape Southampton’s identity. It gave long-overdue recognition to the musicians and communities who made this city such an important part of Britain’s jazz story.”
The event was supported by Arts Council England, the National Lottery Heritage Fund, People’s Postcode Lottery, the Hollick Family Foundation and the Mark Allen Foundation, alongside Southampton Forward’s founding city partners – Southampton City Council, University of Southampton, Solent University, GO! Southampton, Paris Smith and Mayflower Theatre.
ENDS
For further information or images, please contact: Becky Lewis – Lee Peck Media ✉️ becky@leepeckmedia.com
Celebrating Southampton’s stories in a projection trail that will light up the city
Southampton Forward, in partnership with Southampton City Council, has announced a spectacular city-centre event in February 2026 that will celebrate Southampton’s Old Town, historic buildings and diverse communities.
City Reflections: Illuminating Southampton’s Stories, is a physical projection trail that will take place over four consecutive evenings from 6pm to 8pm on Wednesday 18th to Saturday 21st February 2026.
The event will transform six of Southampton’s most iconic heritage buildings in Southampton’s Old Town and city centre with large-scale projections, immersive soundscapes and storytelling inspired by the city’s Art, Maritime and Archaeology collections.
The trail showcases highlights from Southampton’s world-class collections, sharing some of the city’s most fascinating objects and stories as part of the celebrations leading up to the re-opening of Southampton City Art Gallery later in 2026, following its major refurbishment.
The event’s joint creative producers are Light Up Trails, which specialises in creating immersive festive experiences, and Double Take Projections, experts in architectural projection mapping, interactive installations and 3D motion graphics, lighting up buildings from St Paul’s Cathedral to the Sydney Opera House.
What sets City Reflections: Illuminating Southampton’s Stories apart is its commitment to community co-curation. Six Community Curators, each representing a different Southampton community, have worked closely with the creative team to explore the city’s archives, uncover meaningful stories and select rarely seen objects that resonate with both the building they’re paired with and the communities they represent. Their contributions have shaped the content and tone of each projection, ensuring that every experience is rooted in the voices and experience of local communities.
The trail’s themes and locations include:
King John’s Palace – Trade and Textiles, curated by Rajan Jolly (Indian community)
Holyrood Church – People and Global Connection, curated by Abdourahman Sanneh (African diaspora)
The Bargate – Culture, curated by Thelma Bishop Young (Young People, Sport and Disabled communities)
The Dancing Man Brewery (formerly The Wool House) – Ships and Shipping, curated by Stephen Muldowney-Mizen (Older Isolated People, in partnership with Communicare)
The Castle Vaults – City Maps and City Walls, curated by Beth Macey-Macleod (Neurodivergent people)
Southampton City Art Gallery – curated by Ri Baroche (LGBTQ+ community)
The trail offers something for everyone with an interest in art, history and storytelling, including residents, families, students and visitors to the city. The route will be easy to follow, with a digital trail map available online and printed copies available from selected outlets in the Old Town. All six stunning projections can be experienced in a single evening, or visitors can explore the trail over multiple nights at their own pace.
Claire Whitaker CBE, CEO of Southampton Forward, said: “City Reflections: Illuminating Southampton’s Stories aims to shine a light on Southampton’s world-class collections and celebrate the people and stories that shape the city today. It’s a fabulous opportunity to experience Southampton’s rich past through a projection trail that illuminates the stories etched into the city’s buildings and streets. None of this would have been possible without our partnership with Southampton City Council and the commitment and dedication of their amazing collections team, as well as the support from Arts Council England, The National Lottery Heritage Fund, Esmee Fairbairn Foundation and our founding city partners.”
Councillor Alex Winning, Leader of Southampton City Council, said: “We are delighted to be working with Southampton Forward on this inspiring project, which is a great opportunity to engage people with Southampton’s world-class collections ahead of the reopening of the City Art Gallery. We hope it will highlight local pride in the city in an immersive and accessible way.”
Libby Battaglia, Creative Director at Light Up Trails, said: ‘There is so much fascinating history in Southampton’s archives that deserves to be seen and heard. We’re thrilled to be creating this extraordinary trail with Double Take Projections and our Community Curators. Together we’ll produce breath-taking visuals that bring hidden stories to life, connecting people to their past and present in a truly magical way.’
ENDS
Presented by Southampton Forward in partnership with Southampton City Council
Creative partners: Light Up Trails and Double Take Projections
Supported by funding from Arts Council England, Esmée Fairbairn Foundation and The National Lottery Heritage Fund
Also supported by Southampton Forward’s founding city partners: Southampton City Council, University of Southampton, Southampton Solent University, GO! Southampton, Paris Smith LLP and Mayflower Theatre
Soton charity champions under-represented voice of older generation for City Reflections’ project
SERVICE users and volunteers from a charity working to eradicate loneliness in Southampton are participating in a ships and shipping project for City Reflections to celebrate the city’s maritime history (July 2025).
Communicare is working with Southampton Forward and Southampton City Council to explore what ships and the city’s maritime history mean to the charity’s community, and the team has been exploring the city’s archives, maritime vaults and art collection.
Communicare Coordinator, Stephen Muldowney-Mizen, explains: “We’ve been looking for artefacts that tell the story of Southampton’s boats and shipping history, and recently we took a group of service users and volunteers to visit the SeaCity museum to discuss what we had found out so far, the stories they have about the port, sea and the city’s ships.”
Photograph caption: (L-R) Communicare Coordinator, Stephen Muldowney-Mizen, service users Ogomoditse Keitirile and Kishan Kumar, Communicare Manager, Annie Clewlow, and volunteer, Barbara Wright at SeaCity Museum for the ‘Cultural Curators’ City Reflections project.
As part of City Reflections: Illuminating Southampton’s Stories in February 2026, Stephen is one of six Community Curators, each working with their own community to co-create animated light projections for a trail through Southampton’s Old Town and city centre. Each curator has been paired with a heritage building and theme, uncovering stories and selecting objects from the city’s Art, Maritime and Archaeology Collections that connect both to the building and to what resonates most with their community. Stephen’s projection, inspired by ships and shipping, will be one of six installations on the trail.
Stephen adds: “By getting our service users and volunteers involved in this project, we’re amplifying an often-under-represented voice: the city’s older generation and those often isolated, as they are unable to get out and about without assistance. As life becomes more challenging, their world shrinks. It’s Communicare’s mission to be able to reconnect them with opportunities like this.
“Trips out are essential, as they provide so many benefits to someone’s physical, mental and emotional wellbeing. They help combat isolation, reduce feelings of loneliness, and provide social interaction, which is vital for maintaining healthy social connections.
“The benefit of working with a demographic that is heavily weighted towards the older community is huge, as their knowledge, experience and understanding of the story of Southampton goes deeper than most.”
Communicare, which is a friendly, neighbourhood charity, provides services that enrich the lives of isolated people in and around Southampton.
Annie Clewlow, Manager at the charity, which works with the vulnerable and isolated says:
“This visit to SeaCity museum was an exciting opportunity to listen to each other’s stories and to take time to select the images and information that would be reflected across the city, re-energising them for younger generations. I was also able to share how I first set foot in the UK on Southampton soil at the age of two, having been born in Southern Rhodesia now Zimbabwe.”
“Arriving on board the Pendennis Castle Liner, trusty teddy under one arm, my abiding memory is of meeting my grandfather for the first time and finding a conker in the park.”
“Projects and trips out like these are essential to our service users, as they provide so many benefits to their physical, mental and emotional wellbeing. They help combat isolation, reduce feelings of loneliness, and provide social interaction, which is vital for maintaining healthy social connections.
“Outings also promote physical activity, stimulate the mind, and offer a change of scenery, improving one’s mood and cognitive function. We’re so grateful to City Reflections, Southampton Forward and SeaCity museum for involving us and our community with this project and for assisting us with our tip and our research.”
Communicare’s services are staffed by its devoted volunteers, known as Communiteers, who give their time freely.
Communicare is currently supporting around 750 individuals/families through tasks including befriending, transport for appointments and assistance with shopping and always needs more donations and volunteers to help with its work.
The services it provides are free to users, although beneficiaries are invited to make a donation if they are able to, and Communiteers are offered expenses.
Annie adds: “We’re here to help people live their best lives, rather than to just exist. There has been lots of research showing how loneliness impacts on both someone’s physical and mental wellbeing, so projects like this, which really help stimulate the mind and offer a chance to come together as a group and share stories are brilliant.”
Celebrating Southampton’s stories in a projection trail that will light up the city
Southampton Forward, in partnership with Southampton City Council, has announced a spectacular city-centre event in February 2026 that will celebrate Southampton’s Old Town, historic buildings and diverse communities.
City Reflections: Illuminating Southampton’s Stories, is a physical projection trail that will take place over four consecutive evenings from 6pm to 8pm on Wednesday 18th to Saturday 21st February 2026.
The event will transform six of Southampton’s most iconic heritage buildings in Southampton’s Old Town and city centre with large-scale projections, immersive soundscapes and storytelling inspired by the city’s Art, Maritime and Archaeology collections.
The trail showcases highlights from Southampton’s world-class collections, sharing some of the city’s most fascinating objects and stories as part of the celebrations leading up to the re-opening of Southampton City Art Gallery later in 2026, following its major refurbishment.
The event’s joint creative producers are Light Up Trails, which specialises in creating immersive festive experiences, and Double Take Projections, experts in architectural projection mapping, interactive installations and 3D motion graphics, lighting up buildings from St Paul’s Cathedral to the Sydney Opera House.
What sets City Reflections: Illuminating Southampton’s Stories apart is its commitment to community co-curation. Six Community Curators, each representing a different Southampton community, have worked closely with the creative team to explore the city’s archives, uncover meaningful stories and select rarely seen objects that resonate with both the building they’re paired with and the communities they represent. Their contributions have shaped the content and tone of each projection, ensuring that every experience is rooted in the voices and experience of local communities.
The trail’s themes and locations include:
King John’s Palace – Trade and Textiles, curated by Rajan Jolly (Indian community)
Holyrood Church – People and Global Connection, curated by Abdourahman Sanneh (African diaspora)
The Bargate – Culture, curated by Thelma Bishop Young (Young People, Sport and Disabled communities)
The Dancing Man Brewery (formerly The Wool House) – Ships and Shipping, curated by Stephen Muldowney-Mizen (Older Isolated People, in partnership with Communicare)
The Castle Vaults – City Maps and City Walls, curated by Beth Macey-Macleod (Neurodivergent people)
Southampton City Art Gallery – curated by Ri Baroche (LGBTQ+ community)
The trail offers something for everyone with an interest in art, history and storytelling, including residents, families, students and visitors to the city. The route will be easy to follow, with a digital trail map available online and printed copies available from selected outlets in the Old Town. All six stunning projections can be experienced in a single evening, or visitors can explore the trail over multiple nights at their own pace.
Claire Whitaker CBE, CEO of Southampton Forward, said: “City Reflections: Illuminating Southampton’s Stories aims to shine a light on Southampton’s world-class collections and celebrate the people and stories that shape the city today. It’s a fabulous opportunity to experience Southampton’s rich past through a projection trail that illuminates the stories etched into the city’s buildings and streets. None of this would have been possible without our partnership with Southampton City Council and the commitment and dedication of their amazing collections team, as well as the support from Arts Council England, The National Lottery Heritage Fund, Esmee Fairbairn Foundation and our founding city partners.”
Councillor Alex Winning, Leader of Southampton City Council, said: “We are delighted to be working with Southampton Forward on this inspiring project, which is a great opportunity to engage people with Southampton’s world-class collections ahead of the reopening of the City Art Gallery. We hope it will highlight local pride in the city in an immersive and accessible way.”
Libby Battaglia, Creative Director at Light Up Trails, said: ‘There is so much fascinating history in Southampton’s archives that deserves to be seen and heard. We’re thrilled to be creating this extraordinary trail with Double Take Projections and our Community Curators. Together we’ll produce breath-taking visuals that bring hidden stories to life, connecting people to their past and present in a truly magical way.’
Presented by Southampton Forward in partnership with Southampton City Council
Creative partners: Light Up Trails and Double Take Projections
Supported by funding from Arts Council England, Esmée Fairbairn Foundation and The National Lottery Heritage Fund
Also supported by Southampton Forward’s founding city partners: Southampton City Council, University of Southampton, Southampton Solent University, GO! Southampton, Paris Smith LLP and Mayflower Theatre
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