As promised in the introduction to our Show Must Go Online campaign, we have gathered information and intelligence from across the Southampton area to produce a round-up of the best arts resources from local cultural organisations available online.
We have selected a top 10 choice of our favourites, listed below. Enjoy!
1. New digital video commissions by artist David Blandy at jhg.art
John Hansard Gallery has just launched a beautiful new website and has kicked-off their new online offer with two new digital artworks by UK artist David Blandy, specially commissioned to reflect on the uncertain times we find ourselves in.
These new ‘tutorials’ show the audience How to Fly and How to Live, indirectly referencing our present moment, while also pointing to new potentials.
The first of two new videos, How to Fly, is available to stream throughout May, with the second, How to Live, showing throughout June at jhg.art.
2. Film series from Cordelia Williams, playing the Steinway Piano at Turner Sims
If you are craving serenity, watch the first in a series of four stunning films from pianist Cordelia Williams, in which she plays the beautiful Turner Sims Steinway piano in the concert hall at Highfield campus. In this initial film, Cordelia serenades us with Mozart’s Rondo No 3, K511.
Cordelia Williams has had a long association with Turner Sims since her debut there in 2007 aged 17, a year after her appearance in the final of BBC Young Musician of the Year. Now that the competition is back on our screens, we can’t help but wonder if the next finalists will one day join the likes of clarinettist Emma Johnson (winner in 1984), cellist Natalie Clein (1994), violinist Nicola Benedetti (2004), pianist Stephen Hough (1978) and saxophonist Jess Gillam (2016), and perform on the Turner Sims stage.
3. Southampton City Gallery online exhibition: John Hitchens, Aspects of Landscape
Back in March, our Arts Ambassador Kate Briggs-Price went along to the opening of John Hitchens, Aspects of Landscape at Southampton City Gallery. You can watch Kate’s Instagram story covering the event on our Instagram page.
The exhibition, a solo show mapping the work of artist John Hitchens across his (almost) six decades of practice, had to close soon after it opened due to the nationwide lockdown measures. Brilliantly, though, the team at Southampton City Gallery have since been working hard to bring you a virtual version of the exhibition and they have done an amazing job.
With the sparkling imagery provided, you can explore the expansive gallery installations and study the detail of individual paintings. Exhibition notes can be found alongside, and you can even download the exhibition brochure for an authentic gallery-going experience.
4. God’s House Tower presents GHT at Home
God’s House Tower, Southampton’s newest arts and heritage venue, has been offering heaps of online events and activities since lockdown began in their GHT at Home series.
With virtual exhibition tours, lunchtime lectures, workshops led by local artists – including former University of Southampton Arts Ambassador Annette Warner – and good old-fashioned bingo, there is something for everyone to enjoy from the safety of their sofa.
The God’s House Tower YouTube channel is also worth subscribing to – GHT publish many of their resources here so you’ll be the first to know when anything new becomes available.
5. Self-guided public art walk and map from ‘a space’ arts
If you are missing seeing art ‘in real life’, why not follow a self-guided tour of the public art in Southampton’s Old Town? Champions of Southampton culture ‘a space’ arts have produced a handy downloadable and printable map with directions to lead you on your way.
Artwork of all shapes and sizes can be found dotted across Southampton’s public spaces and now is a great time to discover it, when getting out in the fresh air for some socially-distanced exercise.
6. Online creative writing workshops from ArtfulScribe
Southampton based writer development agency ArtfulScribe supports writers of all ages and stages in Hampshire and Dorset to pursue their writing ambitions.
One of ArtfulScribe’s many roles is to facilitate a range of writing groups and clubs, all of which have had their usual methods of meeting disrupted by lockdown. Undeterred however, ArtfulScribe’s writing clubs quickly adapted to the changing situation and have now moved online. The full schedule can be found here and sign-up is open to all. Perhaps now is the perfect time to make a start on that writing career you’ve always dreamed of?
7. A World Beyond Lockdown by Nazneen Ahmed
Sticking with the theme of writing, Southampton based artist and writer Nazneen Ahmed has written a reflective and thought provoking account of her experience in lockdown, and it’s well worth a read – especially if you find yourself struggling to comprehend the current situation.
In her piece, Nazneen examines the impact of lockdown on her mental health and wellbeing, and she contemplates the implications that this extraordinary period may have for society as a whole.
On the same theme, Nazneen recently took part in a Facebook Live conversation with Social Impact Lab at University of Southampton for their new series, The Portal. Nazneen’s conversation with Dr Pathik Pathak, Director of Social Impact Lab, can be streamed here.
8. Sea City Museum’s Learning Deck
The learning team at Southampton’s Sea City Museum have put together a package of educational resources on their new Learning Deck webpage, ensuring that we can all keep in touch with Southampton’s maritime past whilst the Museum is closed.
The activity sheets and packs provided may be particularly useful for parents and carers of children, especially if you are looking to bring a Southampton-themed focus to your home learning sessions.
If you are fascinated by all things Titanic, you’re in luck. Join a virtual tour (video above) in which Learning Officer Andy walks and talks you through the Museum’s brilliant Titanic Story exhibition, or test your knowledge with The Great Big Titanic quiz.
9. Solent Showcase: Connection, Community and Creativity in Quarantine
Staff at Solent University’s Solent Showcase Gallery have also been doing their bit to keep arts and culture alive during lockdown.
The team have been working in partnership with Southampton City Council on the brilliant Art to Go project providing pizza boxes, packed full of art materials and creative ideas, for delivery to young carers across the city.
The gallery’s new social media series, Connection, Community and Creativity in Quarantine, kicked-off with a video conversation between artist Nathan Evans and Assistant Curator Asten Holmes-Elliot in which the pair reflect on Nathan’s 2019 interactive mapping exhibition, Make Your Mark.
More conversation, connection, and creativity is to come from the Showcase team – including an exciting collaboration with artist The Fandangoe Kid – so stay tuned to their social media channels for updates.
10. Complete your Arts Award Discover qualification via The Point, Eastleigh
Arts Award is a range of nationally recognised qualifications supporting children and young people (ages 5-25) to ‘grow as artists and arts leaders’ by exploring the arts and taking part in creative activities.
The Point in Eastleigh is currently offering a free programme of Arts Award Discover qualifications to be completed from the comfort and safety of home. If you are under 25 (or perhaps you look after someone aged 5-25) and want to work towards a bona fide, recognised creative qualification whilst having fun along the way, get stuck in!
Please note: as an Eastleigh Borough Council organisation, Eastleigh Borough residents will be prioritised by The Point when submitting work for certification. However, The Point are encouraging everyone to get involved and you can always approach your local Arts Award Centre – search for your nearest one here – to submit your work for certification.
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