The city of Southampton will become a "canvas for creativity and inspiration" this weekend, when Day of Art returns on Saturday (March 23, 2019) with "spectacular exhibitions, artist-led drop-in sessions, arts and crafts fairs and more" at various locations across the city.

 

This from organisers in their own words:

The headline event will be The Accessible Art Show at The Spark, Solent University, which will showcase more than 300 pieces of artwork from up to 50 local artists - all available to buy during the show through a timed online auction.

Peter Symonds, Organiser of Day of Art and the Accessible Art Show, said: “This is going to be a city-wide art show with a difference. I want everyone who comes to Day of Art on 23 March to find something that will interest them. Whether they want to try a new activity, get their kids involved in creating something fun or buy some unique artwork to display at home, it’s all available. This event is a celebration of the wealth of talent and opportunity we have right on our doorstep.”

Taking place at Nuffield Southampton Theatres City (NST City), the Umbrella Arts Festival will explore how music and the arts can have a transformative effect on our health and wellbeing through an exciting array of free, family activities.

Download or view a leaflet showing what's on here

Rebecca Kinge, Development Worker at Healthwatch Southampton and co-organiser of Umbrella Arts Festival along with SO:Co Music Project’s Matt Salvage, said:

“The Umbrella Arts Festival is a fantastic opportunity for people of all ages and interests to explore health and wellbeing through arts and conversation. There will be music, arts activities, painting workshops, a health café, talks and poetry, board games and much more for everyone to get involved with.”

• Portswood, St Denys and Bitterne Parkers will be involved, including as follows:

Dead Good Days... for anyone who might, one day, die.
The Health Profession isn't always good at talking about dying - you may have to help them. Equipping people with insights & knowledge on how they can prepare, means less worry all round. Knowing what questions to ask & how you can help.

Dead Good Days are running a coffin decorating workshop all day in the cafe area. Come and join in with this fun activity.

St Denys Breathing Spaces with local environmental groups
Are making a mass cycle ride collage, to indicate how getting active with the way we travel is important for our health, whilst also reducing the pollution around us.

And, with members from around the city...

Southampton Ukulele Jam
Will be entertaining us with well-known songs, tiny toys and big hearts, and reflecting on why mass music making is good for our health.

Exhibitions

Whether you’re an art aficionado or simply curious, there will be something for everyone to sink their teeth into, with further exhibitions scheduled to take place throughout the day at My Pottery, Perrys, Re:So, Southampton City Art Gallery, Solent Showcase Gallery, The Art House, NST City and John Hansard Gallery.

As well as their scheduled exhibitions, My Pottery, Southampton City Art Gallery, Solent Showcase Gallery, The Art House and John Hansard Gallery will all be hosting creative, artist-led drop-in sessions and workshops for all ages and abilities.

Filmmakers and publishers

Plus, budding and experienced filmmakers alike are being asked to submit their short films to Southampton video and film cooperative City Eye for a chance to see them on the big screen during Day of Art. While Solent Creative will be running a series of drop-in sessions throughout the day to help aspirant publishers bring their ideas for a new zine to life.

James Gough, Director of Southampton Cultural Development Trust, said: “Day of Art promises to shine a light on Southampton’s incredible arts sector. It will provide a platform for local artists to showcase their talents, and encourage all corners of the community to come together and enjoy a diverse range of art and activities.”

SO:Music City

Also happening on the day is a brand new music festival, SO:Music City, with live gigs, panel discussions and ‘demo surgeries’ from the likes of rock duo Band of Skulls.

Professor Martin James, Professor of Music Industries at Solent University and Organiser of SO:Music City, said: “SO:Music City Festival represents the launch of a campaign to revitalise and grow a sustainable music based creative and cultural industries ecology in Southampton. Music is the beating heart of any city’s culture and is central to our cultural narrative. SO:Music City Festival will shine a spotlight on Southampton’s amazing, but all too often neglected music scene and place it in the centre of the cultural city discussion.”

For more information, visit dayofart.co.uk