Friday 11 July to Sunday 3 August 2025

Inside the Artist’s Studio: 20 Years of the Arches offered a peek behind the curtain, a glimpse into the inner-workings of the artist’s studio. Part of a month-long celebration of creativity, community and collaboration, the exhibition marked twenty years of the Arches Studios in Southampton, established by ‘a space’ arts in 2005.

An artist’s studio is a space for inspiration, creativity and expression. It’s a playground and a laboratory, a space for experimentation, testing new ideas, taking risks, trying – and failing. It’s a safe space too; a cocoon, a home, a sanctuary. A space for thinking and reflection, for criticality and consideration. In the artist’s studio, you may be able to trace the journey of an artwork, from concept to completion. Or you might notice the seed of an idea, germinating, ready to grow.

This exhibition was at God’s House Tower and was free to attend. God’s House Tower is open from Thursday – Sunday & Bank Holiday Mondays.

Meet the Arches Residents:

Vicky Barber-Crimes (she/her)

Aphrodite Kapoula (she/her)

Amy Scott-Pillow (she/her)

Erica M. Szuplat (she/her)

Lucie Smith (she/her)

Anna McNeill (she/her)

Stewart Beckett (he/him) 

Dave Hubble (he/him)

Edgar Lushaju (he/him)

Jilly Evans (she/her)

Peter McGinnis (he/him)

Rabia Raja (she/her)

Sarah Glover (she/her)

Marieta Sotirova (she/her)

Barbara J Graham (she/her)

Neil Kelly (he/him)

Chris Cudlip (he/him)

Lizzie Jones (she/her)

Jez Franck (they/them) 

Emma Harris (she/her)

Associated Events

Arches Open Tours:

Guided tours were held at the studios, finishing at God’s House Tower with an in-depth look at the exhibition.

Arches Studios Open Doors:

Arches Studios Opens Doors offered a rare chance to step inside the Arches and see the actual studios where ideas are formed and artworks are made.

Learn with the Arches: Artist-Led Workshops

A series of hands-on artist-led workshops were held in the cafe extension and on the rooftop at God’s House Tower. The workshop offered a chance to learn something new, connect with practising artists whose work features in the exhibition, and explore creativity in an inspiring, supportive space.

GHT Lates: Calico Cat, The Henry’s & Pegasuses 

Part of a series of late night events at God’s House Tower, GHT Lates is an opportunity to explore the building by night while enjoying live performances from some of the South’s best musicians.