Hampshire Life: February 2019 (^) 27
by working with arts partners from across
the globe is, he believes, “what a world
class venue allows you to do”. Whilst
acknowledging, “Studio 144 is not just a
home for those organisations within it;
their knowledge and skills allows them
to go out into communities, which is so
critical for the city’s cultural growth.”
And, the public’s response so far has
given those involved with the project
reason for optimism.
Councillor Satvir Kaur, cabinet
member for homes and culture, observes,
“Southampton is fast becoming the
cultural destination within the region, with
Studio 144 being an important landmark.
It is creating the invaluable infrastructure
needed to ensure the arts can continue to
have a positive impact on the people and
place of Southampton.
“Not only has Studio 144 helped grow
the local economy by creating hundreds of
new jobs, attracting tens of thousands of
visitors and generating millions of pounds;
but it has put Southampton on the map and
created city pride, offering something for
everyone. Nuffield Southampton Theatres,
City Eye and John Hansard Gallery, have
also been great examples of how the arts
can help address social and community
needs in the city.
“Southampton is prime for becoming a
City of Culture so that we can continue to
use the arts to grow our thriving city.”
Meanwhile, as NST City heads into
its second year there’s a self belief in the
ability to make a difference.
“This is a year that puts Southampton’s
heritage as a city right at the heart of the
programme,” says Sam Hodges.
“There are many highlights already on
the horizon. We’re producing the regional
premiere of Peter Morgan’s brilliant play
The Audience, that we hope will be a
real ode to contemporary theatre and the
worlds it can create.
“We’re also producing the European
premiere of an adaptation of Khalid
Hosseini’s bestseller, A Thousand Splendid
Suns. And I’m really excited about a brand
new radio play, a curation of existing
verbatim accounts from former Ford
employees after the Southampton plant
closed, which we’re going to be presenting
in a Ford Transit van and touring!”
Sam is, however, not one to get swept
away by NST City’s success so far.
“It feels like year zero in many ways,” he
reflects, “We’ve got a long way to go, but
the conversations and interactions have
been rich and full of promise.”
SOUTHAMPTON
MORE
HAPPENINGS
AT ST U DIO
14 4
John Hansard
Gallery
This leading public gallery
of contemporary art, and
part of the University of
Southampton, supports,
develops and presents
work by outstanding
international artists as
well as running talks, tours
and creative workshops
for all the family. This
month look out for, Stefan
Gec: The Shepherd’s
Whistle (16 February-27
April); and Anya Lewin:
Fez: The Royal Scent (16
February-20 April). The
Gallery is open Tuesday to
Saturday 11am-5pm. Free
admission.
Jhg.art
City Eye
Having inspired and
promoted community film
and digital culture in the
region for three decades,
since moving to Studio
144 City Eye is now also a
training, production and
screening centre. Outdoor
cinema during 2018’s
Seaside in the Square was
a summer highlight, with
November’s Southampton
Film Week proving
another box-office hit.
city-eye.co.uk
Getting there: 142-144
Above Bar Street,
Southampton, SO14 7DU
(main entrance Guildhall
Square)
How: Southampton
Central train station is
10 minutes’ walk away;
buses stop at Above Bar
Street, New Road and
Commercial Road. Nearest
car parks are Grosvenor
Square, Bedford Place and
Civic Centre Forecourt.
Director of Nuffield Southampton
Theatre, Samuel Hodges
Photo: Luke MacGregor
Photo: Stefan Venter
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