Westquay multi-storey car park set to transform into urban street art gallery for a second time with the return of the Multi-Stories public event this weekend
Westquay’s Multi-Storey Car Park will be bursting into life once again for this year’s “Multi Stories” event, taking place this weekend.
The free event will be returning to the retail and leisure destination’s car park on Saturday 18th and Sunday 19th of May, and just like last year, it will be bringing together art, skateboarding and music to transform the well-known landmark into an urban art gallery.
New to this year will be a Maker’s Market where visitors will be able to pick up a one-off creation from local small businesses and crafters. A range of free art workshops are also on offer, including graffiti, life drawing, chalk and tape floor drawing and a community wall design competition.
Organised by Westquay, in association with Southampton Forward, visitors will be able to watch live as more than thirty artists create a series of large and small-scale permanent murals that resonate with the stories of the city and local communities.
“Multi-Stories” will again give local people the chance to embrace the spirit of skateboarding and rollerblading with a section of the car park acting as a skate park. Everyone will have the opportunity to join We Skate Southampton as they show onlookers how to learn new tricks, conquer ramps, and feel the thrill of riding alongside like-minded individuals who share a passion for the board. Skateboarding lessons will also be offered, ensuring everyone can experience the exhilaration of the sport. As well as workshops for breakdancing too.
All this will be set against a soundtrack curated by Southampton musicians and DJs with a programme spanning genres across 60 years since Southampton became a city and reflecting the overarching theme for 2024 of ‘city life’. Artists include well-known Southampton street artist Slam and other established artists Epod, Mr Cenz and Vane MG.
Sarah Tinsley, Director of Marketing & Placemaking at Hammerson (owner of Westquay) said: ‘We’re excited to be bringing ‘Multi-Stories’ back to Westquay following its huge success last year. Collaborating with local artists is just one of the innovative ways we are evolving Westquay from a place where people come only to shop, to a ‘destination’ offering an exciting mix of entertainment, leisure and social experiences. Southampton is bustling with creativity and we’re looking forward to once again championing and providing a platform for local talent”.
Claire Whitaker CBE, CEO of Southampton Forward, said “We’re delighted to be collaborating with Westquay again on such an exciting project. We look forward to building on the success of last year and to seeing more of the multi-storey car park transformed with beautiful murals in a range of styles. It’s a fun event for local communities that showcases local talent alongside artists from further afield, and having a lasting impact for public art in Southampton to create a more vibrant city”.
Paintshop, a local Creative Studio who blend graffiti art with graphic design, are back for the second year curating the artwork and free art workshops alongside local creative producer Joe Ross. Ricky Also, a born and bred Sotonian, is the Creative Director behind Paintshop and a renowned mural artist. Last year in addition to curating the event he also created the large ‘The World is Yours’ mural in collaboration with artists Bonzai and Squirl.
Ricky Also said: “Paintshop are really happy to be back for the second year working on the ‘Multi-Stories’ project. Live painting events like this offer a unique opportunity for people to connect with street art, getting under the skin and witness the creative process firsthand.
“Not only are we transforming ordinary grey urban spaces into vibrant artworks, we also hope to play a part in inspiring the next generation of artists. Growing up in Southampton I know how just much creative potential there is in the city and events like Multi-Stories are exactly what we need’.
Multi-Stories will take place on Saturday 18th and Sunday 19th May 12-6pm on Levels 1,2 and 3 of the Westquay Multi-Storey car park. The car park will be open to vehicles as normal.
For more information visit the Multi-Stories event page
For more details contact Frankie Peck on 07545962356 or email frankie@leepeckmedia.com
Share this post