A message from GHT & ‘a space’ arts director, Daniel Crow
Since moving to Southampton as a fine art student in 1995 I’ve always felt the city had enormous potential. Now as the director of a growing arts charity, which over the last 20 years has reimagined lost buildings in Southampton with art and heritage, I am thrilled to have been asked to join the steering committee for City of Culture 2025.
My role will include leading the visual arts working group, making sure that the voices and needs of Southampton’s ambitious, dynamic, talented and creative arts communities and organisations are heard. I have always been passionate about supporting artists and bringing Southampton’s incredible history to life, and this opportunity could really help the city’s cultural sector thrive. But we need to know what you want to get out of this ambitious project.
We are still very much at the beginning of the consultation phase, and for now there are a few ways for you to have your say:
1. Everyone: fill in the consultation survey and make sure you say what you would like to get out of City of Culture 2025. Encourage your friends, family, and colleagues to do the same. Here is the link. This consultation closes on December 13th.
2. Artists and creatives: sign up to the CHAOS network mailing list to learn about how you can get involved in the City of Culture bid process. There will be sector-specific meetings for artists, and it would be great to have your input. (The next meeting is on November 23rd at 10am.)
Although the doors to GHT are still temporarily shut, we are working hard behind the scenes to pull together a fantastic programme for next year, and are looking forward to being involved in City of Culture. Over the next six months the bid will be shaped and developed, and we really want you to be an integral part of this process.
This is an incredibly exciting opportunity and now is the time to get involved!
With thanks,
Daniel Crow
Director, ‘a space’ arts