Your Stories: Creativity Inspired by Jane Austen

Are you a literature lover, a budding creative, or simply someone with something to say about today’s world? Your Stories is giving people across Southampton a chance to be heard through a unique series of free creative workshops inspired by Jane Austen.

Designed by young creatives for the people of the city, the workshops invite participants to explore poetry, painting, cartoons, collage, fashion, and textiles – using art to tell personal stories in powerful new ways. The project will culminate in a digital showcase and a collective exhibition later this autumn, ahead of a special celebration on Jane Austen’s 250th birthday on 16 December 2025.

Workshops so far

The series began on 16 August with a Blackout Poetry workshop at October Books, where participants reimagined existing texts to create new poetic works.

On 30 August, October Books hosted a Collage Workshop, which welcomed a wonderfully diverse group of people – from teenagers through to those in their 60s. It was a space full of creativity and conversation, with some choosing to share personal stories while others simply enjoyed the chance to experiment and unwind.

Feedback from the session reflected just how much Jane Austen’s legacy continues to resonate today:

“It’s fascinating how people of all ages want to engage with Jane Austen and what she might be thinking about now – and to feel inspired by her!”

The workshops are being devised and led by young people, who are already being praised for their creativity, energy and thoughtful facilitation.

What’s still to come

There are five more workshops scheduled, each taking a different approach to Austen’s themes:

• 6 September – Fashion (Network Eagle Lab)
  Explore how clothing has always been a way to make a statement – both in Austen’s time and today. Participants will design a Regency-inspired outfit for a mannequin, decorate fabric, and add ribbons to create an outfit that expresses something unique about themselves.
• 13 September – Comic Creation (Network Eagle Lab)
  Create a six-panel graphic that tells your own story, inspired by the key scenes that drive Austen’s novels. A fun and accessible way into storytelling – no drawing skills required.
• 4 October – Poetry Writing (Network Eagle Lab)
  Reflect on Austen’s exploration of virtues and vices such as pride or prejudice, and use creative prompts to shape your own poem. No experience needed.
• 11 October – Abstract Painting (October Books)
  Use Austen’s book titles as inspiration for mini abstract paintings, which will later be combined into a giant collective ‘book cover’.
• 18 October – Textiles (Network Eagle Lab)
  Sew, stitch, or mark-make your way into a collective textile map quilt of Southampton, exploring personal identity and place through fabric.

Be part of it

Every workshop is free to attend, with drinks and snacks provided, and is open to ages 11+. Whether you’re a complete beginner or an experienced artist, this is your chance to tell your story and be part of something bigger.

👉 Sign up in advance here: artswork.org.uk/news/your-stories

---

Project credits:
Your Stories is led by Artswork in partnership with In Focus, and supported by Southampton Forward, the National Lottery Heritage Fund, and the Foyle Foundation as part of Jane Austen 250.