Southampton Forward

Reminder Artist Opportunity: PUB CULTURES Southampton Forward is commissioning up to nine artists to collaborate with local pubs and their communities to create permanent art installations. This unique project celebrates pubs as cultural and creative hubs. You have just over a week left to apply. Don’t miss your chance to be part of this exciting project—apply now! 📅 Deadline: 9am Monday 9th December 2024. 📍 Southampton 🎨 Medium: Any public art form 🔗 https://ow.ly/cp6E50U7QKu The National Lottery Heritage Fund Arts Council England #ArtInSouthampton #PubCultures #CommunityArt #ArtistOpportunity

In the Autumn, our City Reflections team worked with talented students from Solent University to capture the stories and images of some of the city's community legends. Their inspiring people will be celebrated in lights shining across Southampton from 14th to 24th February 2025 as part of a stunning city-wide light installation. Stay tuned in the coming weeks as we share their powerful quotes and journeys—bringing their remarkable contributions to life. We can’t wait to light up the city with you! Hammerson Solent University #CityReflections #WestQuay #SOLegends #CommunityLegends

In Training for a Heroine is now open at God’s House Tower! Explore Jane Austen’s world through her iconic travelling writing desk, loaned by the British Library. Gifted to her at just 19, this desk represents her beginnings as a young, ambitious writer, complete with a secret drawer for her treasured letters and manuscripts. This free exhibition celebrates Austen’s connection to Southampton as part of the city-wide events marking her 250th birthday. It also features No Notion of Loving by Halves, a contemporary art commission by Jocelyn McGregor. Timed entry tickets are available now—don’t miss it! 🎟️ https://lnkd.in/ee4bQ2T4 📅 15 Nov 2024 – 23 Feb 2025 📍 God’s House Tower is open Thursday to Sunday Book your visit and immerse yourself in this celebration of Austen’s legacy. 'a space' arts Arts Council England The National Lottery Heritage Fund Garfield Weston Foundation The Foyle Foundation Esmée Fairbairn Foundation The British Library Art Fund Southampton City Council #JaneAusten250 #SouthamptonCulture #LiteraryHeritage #GodsHouseTower

Your Voice Matters – have your say on the city and help shape the future of Southampton. Southampton City Council and partners have launched a public consultation to gather residents, businesses, and visitors to share their experiences and views of the city, council services, and their vision for Southampton. Completing the survey will help to identify Southampton’s current strengths and potential future opportunities. Have your say on the City Survey https://ow.ly/yOIx50UfPNB The City Plan survey closes on Sunday 5th January 2025 at 5pm. Southampton City Council #YourVoiceMatters #ShapeSouthampton #FutureOfSouthampton #SouthamptonCityPlan #CitySurvey2024

Coming Soon - City Reflections Light Trail Ahead of the light trail this February, we’re proud to highlight Solent University students who contributed their creative talents to this community event. Holly, currently pursuing a Master's in Visual Communications, collaborated with Roxy to capture breathtaking portraits of our legends. 📅 Event Dates: 14th–24th February 2025 This collaborative project celebrates the vibrant spirit of Southampton. Stay tuned for updates as we count down to the launch! Solent University Hammerson #CityReflections #CommunityArt #SouthamptonTrail

In this week’s SO: Cultured column, we highlight Nick Fisher, founder of Still and Bloom, a Southampton-based family business making waves with its handmade, sustainable furniture. Nick has a clear message this Black Friday: quality and community over gimmicks. Instead of flashy discounts, Still and Bloom is marking Giving Tuesday by donating £50 from every order on December 3rd to Heartbeat, a local cardiac charity that holds deep personal meaning for his family. Discover how this thriving business is tackling the fast furniture problem while giving back to the community. Read the full story on Southampton Forward: https://ow.ly/3v4A50Ucxog #SOCultured #SouthamptonForward #GivingTuesday #SustainableFurniture #StillAndBloomhttps SO: Cultured—a regular column in the Daily Echo celebrating Southampton’s cultural and creative scene, launched in 2024 in partnership with Southampton Forward. Daily Echo Still and Bloom

The excitement around The Home Theatre Project is still going strong! Ahead of our January screening, we’re showcasing interviews with the cast and crew who made this project possible. Today, we’re featuring Lou, a talented performer who went above and beyond by learning the ukulele in just a few days to fully embody her role! Stay tuned for ticket information—this is one screening you won’t want to miss! #HomeTheatreSouthampton #Southampton #Theatre #JanuaryScreening #MASTMayflowerStudios #SolentUniversity #PerformingArts Solent University MAST Mayflower Studios

In September, our City Reflections team partnered with talented students from Solent University to document the stories of Southampton’s incredible community legends. These stories will come to life in our light trail, which will illuminate the city from 15th to 24th February 2025. Over the next few weeks, we’ll share insights from these inspiring individuals, offering a glimpse into the lives that make our city so special. We can’t wait to celebrate these legends with you this February! Hammerson Solent University #CityReflections #WestQuay #SOLegends #CommunityLegends

Corner Shops was a true celebration of Southampton’s creative spirit, and it’s hard to believe it’s already been a week since it happened! This unique project transformed corner shops across the city into fashion shoot locations, featuring clothes and styling by talented students from Winchester School of Art and Solent University. Described as a “visual love letter” to the iconic British corner shop, the project culminates in a free exhibition at The Spark Atrium, Solent University, from 2nd–4th December. We’re thrilled to celebrate this collaboration and the cultural significance of corner shops. Make sure to stop by and experience this homage to a true British institution! #CornerShopsProject #Southampton #BritishCulture #StudentCreativity #FreeExhibition

SO: Governance is launching next week—book your tickets now! This new monthly series by Southampton Forward is designed to help non-profits in Southampton build resilience and strengthen governance. 🗓️ Friday, November 29 ⏰ 12:00 - 1:30 PM GMT 💻 Online The first session, "Governance & Resilience: Strategy and Purpose," features: Sally Arscott (CEO, Solent Mind), sharing Solent Mind’s strategic approach to purpose and sustainable change. Matt Salvage (CEO, SoCo Music Trust), discussing SoCo’s transition from CIC to charity and aligning with charitable purpose. Moderated by Rob Kurn, CEO of Southampton Voluntary Services, this session offers practical insights for anyone looking to build foundational knowledge or enhance governance skills. Free to attend with interactive Q&A and follow-up resources. Open to all in Southampton’s non-profit sector. Secure your spot now: https://ow.ly/Zhkg50UbA0r Solent Mind SoCo Music Project Southampton Voluntary Services #SOGovernance #SouthamptonForward #NonProfitGovernance #ResilientNonProfits