As I work across the city I am still meeting new people who are developing creative ideas or already working on exciting cultural projects. Just last week I met with researchers from Solent University looking at how best to support creative startups in the city; discussed the exciting plans for events across the city for when British Art Show 8 is here this autumn; had a fascinating overview of an audit of the over 140 public art pieces in Southampton; heard about the emerging plans for Black History Month (October 2016) and the celebration of black culture in Southampton; looked at using empty shops for a temporary photographic exhibition coming this autumn; and discussed the development of a new arts project to give creative voice to groups living in St Marys. For every week to come and every week past I have been able to hear about and collaborate with inspiring projects like these, so there is already much to celebrate in Southampton.

For 10 weeks from Saturday 16 July, Marwell’s Zany Zebras will gallop through the streets of Southampton.

Nuffield Youth Theatre has announced an exceptional theatre performance opportunity for 100 young people across Hampshire this summer.