University arts venues to receive £2 million to inspire city through art and music

The University of Southampton’s arts venues are to receive more than £2 million over the next three years ensuring arts and culture continue to thrive in the city.

The funding from Arts Council England’s (ACE) National Portfolio Organisations has been awarded to both John Hansard Gallery and music venue Turner Sims Southampton.

Both venues play a crucial role in Southampton’s cultural scene by supporting, developing and presenting visual art and music by outstanding artists from the UK and around the world. Through their combined activities, the venues offer a wealth of creative experiences for people of all ages and backgrounds across Southampton and the south.

John Hansard Gallery will receive £1.8m over three years to support their programme of contemporary art exhibitions, engagement activities and creative learning, alongside outreach work and community projects across Southampton and the region.

Turner Sims is set to receive £150k over three years, to support its exciting and diverse programme of world-class live music, inspiring engagement and education work, and community activity.

Woodrow Kernohan, Director of John Hansard Gallery, which is based in the city centre, said: “We are delighted that John Hansard Gallery will continue to be part of ACE’s National Portfolio during 2023–26. This is a huge vote of confidence in the important role the Gallery plays in the cultural life of Southampton, the region and the country. We look forward to working closely with ACE and the DCMS (Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport) over the coming three years to realise our vision for a curious, connected and inclusive world, inspired by art.”

Kevin Appleby, Concert Hall Manager of Turner Sims Southampton, based on the University’s Highfield Campus, said: “We are thrilled to have Arts Council England’s continued support. Their investment will enable us to pursue our mission to share live music that connects, moves and inspires people through extraordinary experiences in our venue and beyond. Turner Sims Southampton is excited to work with ACE and DCMS over the coming three years to bring our communities - both locally and globally - together through the joy of live music.”

Shaun Williams, Executive Director of Engagement & Advancement at the University of Southampton, added: “We are extremely proud that both our cultural venues feature in ACE’s National Portfolio Organisations. In challenging economic times, it’s important that our society continues to invest in arts and culture because of their strong contribution to community identity and quality of life.”

Phil Gibby, Area Director, South West, Arts Council England, said: “We’re pleased to offer continued regular investment to John Hansard Gallery and Turner Sims through the Arts Council’s 2023-26 National Portfolio programme. Cultural momentum in Southampton has been building for a number of years, and in more recent times, its ambition and fantastic leadership has been proven through the work connected to the Capital of Culture bid. Both of these much-loved venues play a key role in contributing and sustaining the visual arts and music offer in Southampton - locally and further afield. We can’t wait to see the positive impacts of their programmes and benefits to local communities over the next three years, helping us achieve the vision we set out in Let’s Create.”

National Portfolio Organisations 2023-2026 are one strand of Arts Council England’s total investment in arts and culture, contributing to the cultural ambitions set out in its 10-year strategy, Let’s Create.