There is a welcome air of busy-ness and anticipation in the Cultural Quarter, as building work moves ahead and new hoardings go up around the arts complex site.

Guildhall Square is coming alive over the summer with John Hansard Gallery’s Internet of Cars workshops and the build up to the Art at the Heart summer festival of theatre, film, music, visual art and dance in the specially constructed Nuffield Playing Field. This will be an unmissable showcase of the talent and ingenuity of Southampton’s cultural producers and a great advertisement for the Cultural Quarter.

Major events of this kind can transform Southampton’s offer to visitors and its reputation as a cultural destination. This is something I look forward to discussing with colleagues in the leisure and tourism sector when I speak about the impact of arts and heritage on tourism at Business South’s briefing on ‘The Region’s Leisure and Tourism Industry’ at the Mayflower theatre on 10 June.

Use our links to find out more about events this summer...

Chairman, CultureSouthampton

EjectorSeat are Southampton-based artistic producers and promoters who organise events in and around Hampshire for ages 2 to 72, engaging bedroom DJs to professional artists. Admiring all art forms they proudly promote literature, theatre, visual art, dance, spoken word, music, and film.

With an aim to promote and celebrate arts and culture in the city and beyond - the first EjectorSeat festival took place in 2009. Since then attracting over 5000 visitors and engaging with over 200 artists each year, extending its reach and developing new activities.

This year is no exception, the free festival on 14 June promises a varied programme of art and entertainment. Highlights include:

The festival is free and takes place 12pm - 10pm, Saturday 14 June.

Look out for full programme details at www.ejectorseat.co.uk

If you would like to get in touch, please email us via our website
www.culturesouthampton.org.uk